Arizona Wildcats vs Central Michigan Chippewas Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Central Michigan vs Arizona NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Tucson.

Central Michigan vs Arizona Prediction

The Chippewas and Wildcats are set to face off at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. The Wildcats will host the game at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 153.5 points, and Arizona is favored by -27.5 vs. Central Michigan.

Central Michigan vs. Arizona Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Central Michigan Chippewas at Arizona Wildcats
Where: Tucson at McKale Center
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Betting Odds ARZ -27.5, CMICH +3500 | ARZ -20000 O/U 153.5

Chippewas Preview: Will the Chippewas Defense Show Up in Tucson?

Central Michigan Chippewas Recent Game/Games

The Chippewas dropped to 2-5 on the season after an 83-59 road loss to Mississippi State on Tuesday, December 17th. Entering the game as +20.5 point underdogs, Central Michigan not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 32-25 at halftime, the Chippewas allowed 51 points in the 2nd half while scoring 34 themselves. The game’s total points of 142 fell short of the 148.5 O/U line.

Chippewas Offense Breakdown

Central Michigan struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 34.5% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.4%, but they did manage to hit 91.7% of their free throws, going 11-for-12 from the line.

Claudell Harris Jr. led the way with 19 points, hitting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Michael Nwoko added 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Jakobi Heady also contributed 18 points, despite shooting 2-of-7 from three-point range.

Chippewas Team Defense

Central Michigan's defense struggled, giving up 83 points on 49% shooting from the field. The Chippewas allowed 35 made field goals on 71 attempts.

Inside the arc, Central Michigan gave up 24 two-pointers on 42 attempts, a 57% shooting percentage. From three-point range, they allowed 11 made threes on 29 attempts, a 37% rate. The opposing team shot just 28% from the free-throw line, making 2 of 7 attempts.

Wildcats Preview: Can the Wildcats Pull Off a Home Win?

Arizona evened their record at 5-5 after a dominant 96-64 win over Samford on Wednesday. Playing at home, the Wildcats entered as -19.5 point favorites and covered the spread with ease. The game’s total points of 160 fell short of the 168.5 O/U line.

Arizona set the tone early, leading 56-33 at halftime. They continued to control the game in the 2nd half, outscoring Samford 40-31.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Arizona's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 96 points on 58.2% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.5%, thanks in large part to their 75.8% shooting on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they hit 31.8% of their shots, going 7-for-22.

Caleb Love led the way with 23 points, hitting 3 of 9 from deep and finishing 7 of 14 overall. The Wildcats also got 14 points from Trey Townsend, who shot 6 of 8 from the field, and Anthony Dell'Orso, who added 14 points despite shooting 4 of 10. Arizona was strong at the free-throw line, hitting 25 of 31 attempts for 80.6%, and they dished out 23 assists as a team.

Wildcats Team Defense

Even though Arizona gave up 64 points, they struggled defensively, allowing their opponent to shoot 58% from the field, including 75% on two-point attempts. The Wildcats did manage to limit damage from beyond the arc, with their opponent hitting just 7 of 22 three-pointers for 31%.

Arizona also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 31 times, where they converted 25 free throws for 80%. The Wildcats gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Chippewas vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last five road games, Central Michigan has an ATS record of just 2-2. However, their overall record was 2-3 while averaging 72 points per game.
Across the Wildcats last three home games, the team averaged 80 points per game while allowing 82. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
Spanning across their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Chippewas have gone 6-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 3-7.
In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 5-5 and an ATS mark of 4-6.