#4 Arkansas vs. #1 Arizona Picks and Predictions: Sweet 16
Written by: Nate Hornung
Last Update: Thu Mar 26, 2026, 11:37 am ET
Read Time: 6 minutes
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Someone call the Hogs, because the Razorbacks will need all the support they can get as No. 4 Arkansas faces the No. 1 seed in the West Region, the Arizona Wildcats. John Calipari's team is a very popular underdog pick this week, but do we really think they have what it takes to hang with Tommy Lloyd's team? Arizona is big, they are fast, and despite their lack of outside shooting, they find plenty of ways to win games. Can they do so tonight? Let's check in with our CBB experts and peep their favorite picks in this Sweet 16 matchup.
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Best Bet: Arizona -8 (-106) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Go check out what else I've got on my daily card, and view the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks.
#4 Arkansas Razorbacks vs. #1 Arizona Wildcats NCAA Basketball Insights
Meleek Thomas and the Razorbacks have their hands full tonight against the top seeded Wildcats
Get ready for a track meet. We see a total listed at 165 and for good reason, both teams love to run. Arizona ranks top 55 in the country in terms of possessions per game, while the Hogs are top 20 in that category as well. Neither rely too heavily on the three ball as part of their offense, but both teams shoot over 36.4% from downtown when they do let it fly.
However, this game will be won in the paint and on the glass, where I think Arizona has the clear advantage. Both teams take great care of the basketball, which will translate to decent looks at the hoop each time they go on offense. Therefore, I love the over, but let's look at the betting odds and see what side is catching our eye.
Matchup Information – Arkansas vs. Arizona – March 26
- Venue & Location: SAP Center (San Jose, CA)
- Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
- Tip Off: 9:45 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: CBS
Arkansas vs. Arizona Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of Lucky Rebel, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of March 26, 2026 at 10:51 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with and get a $1,250 deposit bonus, as well as 50 slot spins immediately. Lucky Rebel Sportsbook offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.
Spread
- Arkansas +8 (-114)
- Arizona -8 (-106)
Moneyline
- Arkansas +290
- Arizona -380
Total
- Over 165 (-111)
- Under 165 (-109)
#4 Arkansas vs. #1 Arizona NCAA Basketball Picks and Predictions
How far can Koa Peat and the Wildcats go in this tournament?
Arkansas vs. Arizona Prediction: Arizona Wins and Covers, Over 165
Best Bet: Arizona -8 (-106) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Like I said, this game will be won on the glass, and Arizona has the clear advantage. Not only are they much bigger than the Hogs, but their inside presence on both ends of the floor will make a huge difference. Arizona ranks top five in the country in offensive rebound rate, while also ranking top 25 in offensive rebounds allowed. As for FT Rate, the Wildcats are top 25 on both sides of the ball, breaking into the top 12 at getting to the charity stripe.
The Hogs attack the rim, and get to the line plenty as well. But things may be different against this Arizona front court. Arkansas is outside the top 120 in offensive rebounding, and are north of 200 in defensive boards. They are also outside the top 150 in FT Rate offense. It's going to be tough for the Hogs to score on any level.
Arizona put up 92 points on 71 possessions against Long Island, and 78 in 64 trips against Utah State. Arkansas just got done allowing 78 to Hawaii and 88 to High Point, each on 77 possessions. If they give Arizona extra chances, the Wildcats have the tools to score and stretch out this lead, covering our number. I'll be waiting to see if this somehow drops to -7, but regardless, the Wildcats should cover with ease.
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Check Out the Other March Madness Content from Betting News
For college basketball bettors, March Madness is the most wonderful time of the year. And at Betting News, we have you covered for this festively fun season with expert picks throughout the tournament from Nate Hornung and Eddie Griffin, consensus picks for every March Madness game from the First Four to the Final Four, a rundown of the best March Madness betting sites, and more.
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