Long Island University vs Arizona Prediction 3/20/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Arizona Wildcats and the Long Island University Sharks will meet on Friday afternoon in a first round NCAA Tournament matchup at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.

Long Island University Sharks Betting Preview

The Long Island University Sharks enter Friday’s contest with a 24–10 win‑loss record, including a 15–3 mark in conference play and a 10–9 record on the road. The Sharks have amassed wins over Central Connecticut, Wagner, Chicago State and Saint Francis, while dropping games to Mississippi State and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Earlier this season, in the Long Island University Sharks convincing 83-65 victory over the Wagner Seahawks, Long Island guard Malachi Davis tallied 19 points (7 of 14 shooting from the field: 4 of 7 shooting from three-point range), 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block showcasing his ability to lead the Sharks backcourt.

The Long Island University Sharks are averaging 74.1 points on 48.1 percent shooting from the field (33rd in country) and 36.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Sharks are allowing 71.1 points per contest.     

Senior guard Malachi Davis leads the Long Island University Sharks averaging 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Senior guard Jamal Fuller provides the Sharks with further backcourt depth contributing 16.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.

Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview

The Arizona Wildcats enter Friday afternoon’s matchup with a 32–2 win‑loss record, including a 16–2 record in conference play and a rather impressive 9–1 mark on the road. The Wildcats have amassed recent wins over Houston, Iowa State, UCF, Colorado and the Baylor Bears, while losing games to Texas Tech and Kansas.

More recently, in the Arizona Wildcats 79-74 win over the Houston Cougars five days ago, Arizona 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 illustrating his ability to perform at a high level.

The Arizona Wildcats average 86.1 points (13th in nation) on 50.2 percent shooting from the field (9th in country) and 36 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Wildcats are allowing opponents 68.8 points per contest.

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.

Why the Long Island University Sharks Will Win

• Backcourt production. Senior guard Malachi Davis leads the Long Island University Sharks averaging 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

• Ability to win on the road. The Long Island University Sharks have amassed a 10-9 record on the road this season.

Why the Arizona Wildcats Will Win

• Elite offense. The Arizona Wildcats are averaging 86.1 points (13th in nation) on 50.2 percent shooting from the field (9th in country) 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 nine-game winning streak.

Long Island University Sharks vs. Arizona Wildcats Prediction

This matchup features an Arizona Wildcats squad that enters the NCAA Tournament with one of the best offensive teams in the country against a Long Island University Sharks team that has strong momentum after winning the NEC Tournament. Arizona’s size, rebounding and offensive efficiency should allow the Wildcats to control the game, but the number (30.5) here is too high in my opinion. In my view, Arizona will win this contest comfortably, but the number is inflated relative to the Sharks overall athleticism and strong current form. For the reasons just noted, I am backing Long Island plus the 30.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Long Island University +30.5