The Arizona Wildcats and the Texas Tech Red Raiders continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Tucson, Ariz.
Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. central. Arizona (16-6, 10-1 in Big 12) is ranked No. 20 in the AP Top 25 while Texas Tech (18-4, 9-2) is ranked No. 13.
This is a battle between the two hottest teams in the Big 12. Arizona has won 12 of its last 13 games, dating back to Dec. 18. The only loss? Well, that would be Texas Tech on Jan. 18.
The Red Raiders have won seven straight games and last weekend they upset then-No. 6 Houston on the road, ending their home winning streak.
For the record, the Wildcats have won 11 straight at home this season.
So, let’s enjoy this terrific, conveniently scheduled Big 12 showdown.
Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.
How to Watch Arizona vs. Texas Tech
Date: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
Time: 9:30 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN
Site: McKale Memorial Center, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona vs. Texas Tech Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Arizona -2.5
Current Line: Arizona -3
Over/Under: 149 (opened at 150.5)
Arizona vs. Texas Tech Predictions
Since Big 12 started the Wildcats have been virtually unbeatable. Along the way the Wildcats have beaten four Top 25 teams. Arizona has done it a variety of ways, but guard Caleb Love has been at the center of it. He’s averaging 16.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
The play of forward Henri Veesaar has been key in this stretch, too. He’s averaging 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Since the injury to Montiejus Krivas, he’s emerged as the go-to inside player in key moments.
Texas Tech is a three-headed monster now, with guard Chance McMillan (15.5 points, 4.3 rebounds), forward JT Toppin (14.9 points, 8.4 rebounds) and forward Darrion Williams (14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists). When all three are firing, the Red Raiders are hard to stop. And against Houston, they proved they could get it done against an elite opponent without Toppin.
Guard Elijah Hawkins continues to impress at the point, and the recent emergence of guard Christian Anderson has really added a bit more depth to the rotation.
Looking back at the first meeting, the Wildcats shot just 31% from the floor and 16% from the 3-point line really derailed any hope Arizona had of beating Texas Tech. Watch how Arizona defends Toppin in the rematch. He had 20 points and 16 rebounds in Lubbock.
Arizona 81, Texas Tech 77
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Arizona (68.4% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
