Arizona Wildcats vs Baylor Bears Picks and Predictions for Tuesday February 24 2026
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Arizona travels to Waco to take on Baylor at Foster Pavilion (Waco, TX) on Tuesday at 9:00 PM, with the game airing on ESPN2. Arizona is listed as a 9.5-point favorite, and the total is set at 153.5, while at the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline. For more betting insight across the board, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks.
Arizona Bringing Elite Balance into Waco
Arizona enters this matchup at 25-2 overall with a 12-2 record in Big 12 play. A road record was not provided in the information available, but the Wildcats have been one of the most consistent teams in the country. Over their last five games, they as recently won over Houston 73-66, won over BYU 75-68, lost to Texas Tech 78-75 OT, lost to Kansas 82-78, and won over Oklahoma State 84-47.
The Wildcats are averaging 87.2 points per game while allowing 68.5, and they are shooting 50% from the field. They also dominate the glass with 43.4 rebounds per game and average 17.4 assists per contest. That combination of efficiency and rebounding gives them a strong edge in both shot quality and second-chance opportunities.
What stands out most is Arizona’s overall balance. With 8.4 steals and 4.3 blocks per game, they bring defensive disruption to go along with high-level scoring. Averaging nearly 19 points more per game than they allow highlights how consistently they control games on both ends of the floor.
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Baylor Trying to Keep Pace at Home
Baylor comes into this contest at 14-13 overall with a 4-10 mark in Big 12 play. A home record was not included in the provided information, but the Bears have had mixed results recently. In their last five games, they as recently won over Arizona State 73-68, lost to Kansas State 90-74, lost to Louisville 82-71, lost to BYU 99-94, and lost to Iowa State 72-69.
The Bears are averaging 82.6 points per game while allowing 76.3, and they are shooting 48% from the field. They collect 37.5 rebounds per game and average 15.6 assists per contest. Baylor has proven it can score, especially when the pace increases and shots fall from the perimeter.
However, the defensive numbers raise concerns. Allowing 76.3 points per game against an Arizona offense averaging 87.2 is a difficult matchup. Even though Baylor averages 4.4 blocks and 6.7 steals per game, sustaining defensive resistance against a team shooting 50% will require near-perfect execution.
Arizona vs Baylor Pick
Arizona vs Baylor spread pick
- Pick: Arizona -9.5
Arizona’s offensive efficiency and rebounding advantage make them the stronger side here. Averaging 87.2 points per game on 50% shooting compared to Baylor’s 82.6 points on 48% gives Arizona a clear edge, especially when factoring in their defensive numbers. If the Wildcats approach their season averages and control the boards, they should be able to cover this number.
Arizona vs Baylor total pick
- Pick: Over 153.5
I’m leaning over because both teams average over 82 points per game and have been involved in several high-scoring contests recently. Baylor’s defense has allowed multiple opponents to reach the 80s and 90s, and Arizona consistently pushes into the mid-to-high 80s. If both teams play near their season norms, this total has a strong chance to clear the mid-150s.
Final Score Prediction: Arizona 88, Baylor 78
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