TCU Horned Frogs vs Arizona Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/30/24

The Horned Frogs and Wildcats are set to face off at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. The Wildcats will host the game at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. The over/under for this game is set at 146.5 points, and Arizona is favored by -14.5 vs. TCU in a Big 12 conference matchup.

TCU HORNED FROGS VS ARIZONA WILDCATS BETTING PICK

The Pick: TCU Horned Frogs +14.5

This game will be played at McKale Center at 8:00 ET on Monday, December 30th.

WHY BET THE TCU HORNED FROGS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-72 in favor of the Wildcats.
• Even though we have Arizona winning straight-up, we like TCU at +14.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.

Do the Horned Frogs Stand a Chance in Tucson?

TCU Horned Frogs Recent Game/Games

TCU improved to 7-4 on the season with a dominant 82-48 win over Montana State on Sunday. Playing at home, the Horned Frogs were -10.5 favorites and covered the spread with ease.

TCU led 42-25 at halftime and continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring the Bobcats 40-23. The game’s total points of 130 fell short of the 139.5 O/U line.

TCU put up 82 points in their last game, shooting 40.7% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 47.5%. They hit 34.8% from three-point range, connecting on 8 of 23 attempts, and were 44.4% on two-pointers, going 16 for 36. Their free-throw shooting was a standout, as they made 26 of 29 for 89.7%.

Max Agbonkpolo led the way with 18 points, shooting 58.3% overall and 50% from deep. Noah Reynolds added 15 points despite shooting just 20%, contributing 5 assists. TCU had 14 offensive rebounds and 12 assists as a team.

TCU’s defense held their opponent to just 48 points, despite allowing them to shoot 40% from the field. The Horned Frogs gave up 24 made field goals on 59 attempts.

From beyond the arc, TCU’s opponent shot 34%, hitting 8 of 23 three-point attempts. TCU also sent them to the free-throw line 29 times, where they converted 26 free throws for 89%.

Does Arizona Have What it Takes to Win as Home Favorites?

Arizona improved to 6-5 on the season with a dominant 94-41 win over Central Michigan on Saturday. The Wildcats, playing at home, were -27.5 favorites and covered the spread comfortably. The game’s total points ended at 135, falling short of the 151.5 O/U line.

Arizona led 44-23 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, scoring 50 points while holding the Chippewas to just 18 points.

Arizona’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 94 points with a 54.5% shooting percentage from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 62.1%, thanks in large part to their 70.3% shooting on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they hit 34.5% of their shots, going 10-for-29.

The Wildcats were also strong at the free-throw line, hitting 12 of 13 attempts for a 92.3% success rate. They dished out 28 assists and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds. Caleb Love led the way with 24 points in 24 minutes, shooting 60% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.

Arizona’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 41 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 54% from the field. Inside the arc, they were particularly vulnerable, with the other team hitting 70% of their two-point attempts, going 26/37.

From three-point range, Arizona’s defense allowed 10 made threes on 29 attempts, a 34% shooting rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 13 times, where they converted 12 of those attempts, shooting 92%. Additionally, Arizona gave up 12 offensive rebounds.