One of the best games of today’s college basketball slate features a top-25 matchup between No. 1 Arizona and No. 12 Alabama. The Crimson Tide holds a 3-2 all-time series lead over the Wildcats, but Arizona won the last meeting, 87-74, in 2023. This game is part of the C.M. Newton Classic. Arizona has begun the season with a perfect 8-0 record and is coming off a 29-point victory over Auburn. Alabama is 7-2 and has won four consecutive games since its last loss.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Arizona is a -1.5-point favorite with Alabama being a +110 on the moneyline. Here is my best bet for tonightās Alabama vs. Arizona matchup.
Arizona vs. Alabama (9:30 p.m. ET)
Alabama has an elite offense, averaging 95.1 points per game. The Crimson Tide also has the second-best offensive rating (126.4) in the country, according to KenPom. Labaron Philon Jr. is Alabama’s leading scorer and is averaging 21.4 points, the eighth most in the country. The Crimson Tide has another phenomenal guard with Aden Holloway, who scores 18.2 a game.
Arizona is the more well-balanced team, as it has the ninth-best offensive rating (123.5) and the 10th-best defensive rating (93.3) in college basketball. The Wildcats have four players averaging double-digit points, with freshman Koa Peat leading the way with 15.9 points per game. Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries create a dynamic, versatile backcourt. Arizona has an elite frontcourt with Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka, who combine for 19.2 points and 17.9 rebounds per contest.
The Wildcats have put together the best resume in the sport so far and should be well prepared to enter an atmosphere with a ton of Alabama fans. Alabama is 2-2 against ranked opponents and has lost two of its last three big matchups by at least seven points.
