| MATCHUP | BYU Cougars | Arizona Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 19-6 | 23-2 |
| Spread | +12.5 -105 | -12.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +625 | -950 |
| Total | Over 162.5 (-110) | Under 162.5 (-110) |
| Where | McKale Memorial Center, Tucson, AZ | |
| When | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN | |
In this article we will formulate a BYU vs Arizona prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, February 18th at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Arizona. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars are 19-6 (7-5) this season after they defeated Colorado in overtime by a score of 90-86 in their last game. BYU led 37-32 at halftime, but they allowed 46 points in the second half, before escaping with the win in overtime. The Cougars shot 47% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 78% on free throws in the game. Robert Wright III led BYU with 39 points and five rebounds, while AJ Dybantsa added 20 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, BYU defeated Baylor by a score of 99-94, but lost to Houston by a score of 77-66 before that. The Cougars have scored 86.5 points per game with 39.5 rebounds and 14.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.5 points against per game this season. AJ Dybantsa is averaging 24.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while Robert Wright III is averaging 18.7 points and 4.9 assists per game for the Cougars. BYU is shooting 48.5% from the field, 74.2% on free throws, and 35.8% on three pointers this season.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview
The Arizona Wildcats are 23-2 (10-2) this year after they lost to Texas Tech in overtime by a score of 78-75 in their last game. Arizona was tied at 32 at halftime and they tied the second half at 34, before being outscored 12-9 in overtime for the loss. The Wildcats shot 39% from the field, 25% on three pointers, and 74% on free throws in the game. Brayden Burries led Arizona with 16 points and five rebounds, while Tobe Awaka added 16 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, Arizona lost to Kansas by a score of 82-78, but did beat Oklahoma State by a score of 84-47 before that. The Wildcats have scored 88.2 points per game with 43.8 rebounds and 17.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.6 points against per game this season. Brayden Burries is averaging 15.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Koa Peat is averaging 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. Arizona is shooting 50.8% from the field, 73.1% on free throws, and 35.3% on three pointers this year.
Why the Arizona Wildcats will win
- BYU has lost each of its last nine night games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents.
- Arizona has won 56 of its last 59 night games at McKale Memorial Center.
- Arizona has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 night games at McKale Memorial Center.
Why the BYU Cougars will win
- BYU has won 12 of its last 13 games after coming off overtime.
- Arizona has lost four of its last five February games as a top-15 AP-ranked team.
Total Points Facts
- Thirty-five of Arizona’s last 40 night games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 165 or fewer points.
- Six of BYU’s last seven games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 169+ points.
BYU vs Arizona Prediction
Arizona comes into this matchup on a two game losing streak, but they should have no issues bouncing back here. The Wildcats already beat BYU on the road by a score of 86-83 and now BYU is without their third leading scorer. BYU has won two games in a row, but they have allowed at least 86 points in four of their last five games. I think Arizona will do whatever they want on offense and I like the Wildcats to cover here.