College Hoops Betting – Arizona Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils

College hoops betting fans, get ready for the Thursday night matchup out of Anaheim featuring the returning NCAA tournament champions, the Duke Blue Devils, as they fight to qualify for the Elite Eight against the Arizona Wildcats.

Arizona Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils

Thursday, March 24 at 9:45 PM ET

Honda Center, Anaheim, California

College Hoops Betting Odds:  Arizona +8.5, Duke -8.5, Game Total: 145

Duke comes into the Sweet Sixteen this season as big favorites in the NCAA basketball Sportsbook over the Wildcats of Arizona. The Blue Devils are listed as 8.5-point favorites in this matchup, but were listed as high as 10-point favorites at one time. Are the Blue Devils really that dominating?

Led by All-American sophomore Derek Williams, the Wildcats have punished teams that didn’t devote enough defensive pressure to him. Williams led the Wildcats past a strong Texas team by completing a three-point play with less than 10 seconds left in the game.

After winning the Pac-10 regular season, Arizona seems to be peaking at the right moment, just in time for the Sweet Sixteen.

However, the Blue Devils are a team packed with talent.  Headed by Nolan Smith together with Kyle Singler, two players that combine for an average 38 points per game, Duke is known for its composure in the NCAA tournament.  After finishing second in the Atlantic Coast Conference behind North Carolina, the Blue Devils barely eeked out a win over Michigan, 73-71, in the Round of 32. 

College hoops betting fans can count on Duke to show up focused in Anaheim.  And although the Blue Devils are the more talented and experienced team, the Wildcats have shown resilience and tenacity so far this tournament. 

Although Duke will likely win the game to reach the Elite Eight, the 8.5-point spread may be just a bit high.  I would take my chances on the Wildcats to hang tough in this one and cover the spread.

College Hoops Betting Free Pick – Take Arizona to cover, +8.5!