I'll be at this game on Saturday night so might as well put a pick in for it. In their 13 home games this season, Arizona is averaging nearly 94 points per game and has scored 84 or more points in 12 of them. Texas Tech is averaging more than 82 PPG this season and they're a skilled squad that I think will give the Wildcats a big test. This one will be closer than expected with the spread but I think it gets over 160 from a total perspective. Arizona 84, Texas Tech 78.
Texas Tech has played seven games against power conference opponents that finished with 70 or more possessions. The totals in those games, all decided in regulation, were 155, 162, 182, 163, 140, 167 and 158. The thought here is that when the Red Raiders get sped up the totals creep up as well, and Arizona is the most up-tempo team in Big 12 play. Arizona’s interior defense is really going to force Texas Tech to connect from outside, but the Red Raiders are currently leading the Big 12 with 41.2% three-point shooting in conference play. With Arizona looking to bounce back from the Kansas loss and Texas Tech desperate to improve its 3-3 road record, count on 70-plus possessions and a higher-scoring affair in Tucson.
