Arkansas vs Arizona Prediction 3/26/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Arkansas Razorbacks and the Arizona Wildcats will meet on Thursday night in a Sweet 16 matchup at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview

The Arizona Wildcats enter Thursday’s contest with a 34–2 win‑loss record, including a 16–2 record in conference play and a robust 9–1 mark on the road. The Wildcats have amassed recent wins over Iowa State, Houston, UCF, Colorado and the Baylor Bears, while losing games to Kansas and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

More recently, in the Arizona Wildcats 79-74 victory over the Houston Cougars earlier this month, Wildcats forward Koa Peat compiled 21 points (7 of 15 shooting from the field: 7 of 11 shooting from the free-throw line), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block showcasing his ability to lead the Arizona frontcourt.

The Arizona Wildcats average 86.1 points (12th in nation) on 50 percent shooting from the field (10th in country) and 36.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Turning our attention to the defensive side of the basketball, the Wildcats are allowing opponents 68.4 points per contest which ranks 38th in the nation.

Freshman guard Brayden Burries leads the Arizona Wildcats, averaging 15.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals on 49.2 percent shooting from the field per game. Freshman forward Koa Peat averages 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 53.7 percent shooting from the field per contest. Senior guard Jaden Bradley averages 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

The winner of this game will face off against Texas or Purdue next. 

Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Preview

The Arkansas Razorbacks enter Thursday evening’s contest with a 28–8 overall win–loss record, including a 13–5 mark in conference play and a 5-5 record on the road. The Razorbacks have compiled recent wins over Missouri, Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and the Mississippi State Bulldogs, while dropping games to Alabama, Georgia and the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Arkansas Razorbacks average 90.3 points (2nd in nation) on 50.2 percent shooting from the field (8th in country) and 38.7 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Razorbacks are allowing opponents 80.3 points per contest which ranks an abysmal 325th in the nation.    

Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. leads the Arkansas Razorbacks averaging 22.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists on 49.9 percent shooting from the field per game, while senior forward Trevon Brazile contributes 12.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per contest providing the Razorbacks with a strong interior presence.

Why the Arizona Wildcats Will Win

• Offensive firepower. The Arizona Wildcats average 86.1 points (12th in nation) on 50 percent shooting from the field (10th in country) and 36.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game.

• Frontcourt presence. Freshman forward Koa Peat averages 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 53.7 percent shooting from the field per contest.

• Momentum. The Arizona Wildcats enter tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a 11-game winning streak.

• Defensive edge. The Wildcats are allowing opponents just 68.4 points per contest which ranks 38th in the nation. Conversely, the Razorbacks are allowing a dreadful 80.3 points per contest.

Why the Arkansas Razorbacks Will Win

• Elite offense. The Arkansas Razorbacks average 90.3 points (2nd in nation) on 50.2 percent shooting from the field (8th in country) and 38.7 percent shooting from three-point range per game.

• Guard play. Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. leads the Arkansas Razorbacks averaging 22.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists on 49.9 percent shooting from the field per game.

Arkansas vs. Arizona Prediction

This matchup features the Arkansas Razorbacks recent offensive surge against an Arizona Wildcats team that has been one of the most complete and consistent units in the country all season. Arkansas pace and elite guard play give the Razorbacks a path to competing early, but Arizona’s overall balance, interior strength, and defensive stability make the Wildcats the more reliable side to be on in this matchup. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Arizona Wildcats to cover the 7.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Arizona -7.5