(2) Arizona vs. (12) Clemson: Betting Tips, Prediction, and Betting Odds

The Clemson Tigers are set to square off with the Arizona Wildcats on Thursday in the first Sweet 16 matchup of the weekend. Clemson comes into this one white hot, while Arizona has been one of the best teams all season.

The Tigers were underdogs in both of their tournament wins and won both in convincing fashion. They beat New Mexico 77-56 and Baylor 72-64. The Tigers controlled most of the game vs. Baylor and were able to thwart off a late game comeback. They have mainly relied on their defense to get them this far. They held New Mexico to just 13% shooting and Baylor to 25%. They will have to bring their A game on Thursday against the Wildcats.

Arizona is on a mission to move on from last year’s loss to Princeton. So far they have done that with impressive showings against Long Beach State and Dayton. Their defense has been looking stout, as well. They have held their opponents to 36% field goal percentage in the first two games. They are very good on offense, as well. They are 2md in the country in fastbreak points and 25th in effective field goal percentage. The Wildcats will be looking to advance to their first Elite Eight since 2015.

Clemson is +7.5 is available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.

As mentioned above, the Tigers are playing great defense, but they’ve got a couple guys on the other side of the ball who are tearing it up. Chase Hunter has scored 20+ points and had six assists in both tournament games. PJ Hall has been soli, too. The big man had 11 points against Baylor and 14 vs. New Mexico.

Clemson has been good from behind the arc in their last two games. They shot at least 33% in both games. That could be an issue for an Arizona team who is 136th in the country in defending the deep ball. Arizona isn't looking as cohesive in the postseason as they did in the regular season, and a hot team can capitalize on that. 7.5 feels like too many points for this one. It is worth noting that Clemson is 7-1 ATS this season as a dog. Back the Tigers to cover.

Under 151.5 Total Points is available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.

It would be hard to take the over after talking up these defenses. Neither team has had a total go over in any of their postseason games. Clemson is 0-3 to the over, while Arizona is 0-4. Both teams put an emphasis on the defensive side of the ball. With a trip to the Elite Eight on the line, expect the defenses to turn it up a notch on Thursday.

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