The No. 12 Duke Blue Devils (3-1) are set to take on the No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (2-1) in their first true road game of the season this Friday night. Duke is coming off a commanding 86-35 victory against Wofford, which helped them bounce back after a tough loss to then-No. 19 Kentucky. Arizona, after starting the season strong with two decisive wins, faced a setback against Wisconsin last Friday, losing 103-88.
This matchup marks the first time since 1991 that the Blue Devils will face the Wildcats in Tucson, creating added excitement for both teams and their fans. The game is scheduled to tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET at McKale Memorial Center, with Arizona slightly favored to win by 1.5 points, and an over/under set at 160.5 points.
Arizona has demonstrated strong performance at home this season, boasting significant victories, including a 93-64 win over Canisius and a 102-44 victory against Old Dominion, where Tobe Awaka put up an impressive 18 points and 15 rebounds. Veteran guard Caleb Love, who has prior experience against Duke in the 2022 Final Four, is a key player for the Wildcats.
On the other hand, Duke’s offensive prowess has been highlighted by the outstanding play of five-star freshman Cooper Flagg, who leads the team with 16.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. His impressive performance includes a significant 26-point showing against Kentucky. Duke has consistently overwhelmed opponents, scoring over 85 points in their victories against Maine, Army, and Wofford.
As the teams prepare to clash, the matchup presents a thrilling opportunity for both sides to showcase their skills. Betting predictions lean towards an under outcome along with point-spread picks favoring one side in over 60% of simulations, based on statistical modeling.
This upcoming battle between Duke and Arizona is indicative of the competitive spirit of college basketball, with both teams striving for a statement win. Fans can look forward to an intense game filled with skilled play and athletic talent.