ROOT GOLD STANDARD CBB & his write up
CBB TOP 25 TV SHOWDOWN; Gold Standard
PointSpread
NCAAB
Saturday, December 17, 2022 - 22:30
Gold Standard—-Arizona
This is the time of year I love offense to overtake defense. Arizona's offense will be slowed down but not stopped by Tennessee's defense, while the Volunteers' offense will be unable to keep up on the other end. That’s how Arizona covers the spread. When the best offense in college basketball runs into the best defense in college basketball, something is going to have to give. While these are undeniably two great teams, the biggest question mark between them is Tennessee's offense. Their inability to produce (40.1% shooting overall, ranked 307th) means their defense needs to be near perfect to keep them on top, and it has been for much of the season. This is a test unlike any other they've faced yet, against the most efficient and fourth-fastest offense in the nation. You have to score in order to win. While the Volunteers are elite at defending the three-point line, the Wildcats can get by without it if needed. Their three-point shooting is great (39.3%, ranked 23rd) but their two-point percentage is amazing (63.0%, ranked first).
Arizona's offense is going to outpace Tennessee, and even with their great defense, their offense won't be able to keep up. Take the Wildcats to cover.