As we get set for March Madness at Top Bet, we’re taking a closer look at the college basketball teams that will affect your bracket the most: the favorites. We’ve already looked at Syracuse, and today we move on to the Arizona Wildcats.
After several weeks of ruling the AP poll rankings, the Wildcats have slipped to No. 3 but will nonetheless still be considered one of the most dangerous teams in the NCAA Tournament in 2014.
Arizona Wildcats Preview
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Key to Success – Defense
Even in their two losses, the Wildcats kept their opponents’ offense in check, allowing California to score 58 and holding Arizona State to 68 even after two overtimes. Arizona ranks fifth in the nation in scoring defense and are very good at forcing their foes to throw up bricks. Arizona opponents are shooting 42% from the field (No. 2 in the nation) and the Wildcats top the rankings of defensive efficiency with a mark of .860.
MVP – Nick Johnson
Almost everyone on the Wildcats’ roster can play in-your-face defense, but few can score quite like junior guard Nick Johnson. Johnson leads the Arizona in scoring (16.0 PPG) and still finds time to get his teammates involved on offense with 2.6 APG. Moreover, Johnson is often the team’s go-to-guy when the Wildcats need someone to bail them thanks to his ability to create his own shots.
Achilles Heel – Free Throws
No one among the Wildcats has a free throw percentage better than 80%. Their best player from the charity stripe is Kaleb Tarczewski (78.2%) and the rest are shooting just 77% or lower. As a team, Arizona is 306th in the nation in free throw percentage at a dismal 65.6%. This glaring weakness for the Wildcats could haunt them in close games come March Madness.
Season Highlight – Nick Johnson Saves the Day
With their unblemished record on the line, the Wildcats needed Nick Johnson’s heroics against Stanford to secure a 60-57 victory. Johnson hit a 3-pointer and knocked down two free throws in the closing minute of that game to help Arizona remain undefeated through 21 games.
Prediction – Final Four
Arizona slipped in the AP poll ranking with two losses in February but remains one of the favorites to win the national title with a price of +900. Expect the Wildcats to be battle-ready once the tournament begins. With a balanced roster and a crippling defense, we can expect at least the Final Four for Arizona.
