Clemson vs Arizona Prediction & Best Bets (West Region Semifinals): Can the Tigers Take Out the Wildcats?
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Published: Thu Mar 28, 2024, 3:27 am ET
Read Time: 6 minutes
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Purdue is looking to reach the Final Four for the first time since 1980, but they aren't the only program in the Sweet Sixteen looking for its best moment since that year. Clemson, who tips off the Sweet Sixteen today with a West Region semifinal against Arizona (7:09 pm ET, CBS), is looking to make the Elite Eight for the first time since 1980.
In 1980, when they reached the Elite Eight for the first and only time before losing to eighth-seeded UCLA, the Tigers were a #6 seed. That year, they opened their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance with a win over #11 seed Utah State then advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with a win over #3 BYU before defeating #10 Lamar to reach the Elite Eight.
As in 1980, Clemson (23-11) is a #6 seed this year. And as in 1980, the Tigers opened the tournament with a win over a current member of the Mountain West (New Mexico) before defeating a current member of the Big 12 (Baylor).
Unlike in 1980, however, their matchup for the Sweet Sixteen is not a surprise participant from the Southland Conference. Instead, it's a team among the top four favorites to cut down the nets on April 8.
Arizona (27-8) is in the Sweet Sixteen for the 21st time (20th, if you include a now-vacated 2017 appearance. With a win over Clemson, the Wildcats will reach the Elite Eight for the 12th time and the first time since 2015.
After dispatching Long Beach State and Dayton by double digits in the first two rounds, will Arizona be challenged by Clemson? An intriguing matchup is ahead at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Clemson vs Arizona Odds
Odds are via BetOnline, a longtime fixture in the sports betting industry. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then grab yourself a nice sign-up bonus to bet on the Sweet Sixteen.
Spread
- Clemson +7.5 (-110)
- Arizona -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under
- Over 152.5 (-110)
- Under 152.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Clemson +265
- Arizona -315
Looking for more picks for today's games? Our NCAA basketball picks page features moneyline, spread, and total (over/under) picks for today's four NCAA Tournament games.
Clemson vs Arizona Betting Analysis and Prediction
After an impressive run through November and December, which included wins over five NCAA Tournament teams (UAB, Boise State, Alabama, South Carolina, and TCU) as well as a win at Pittsburgh (the fourth team left out of the field of 68), Clemson was far less impressive in ACC play.
They did win at North Carolina on February 6 but finished 11-9 and sixth in the standings, then they lost to #11 seed Boston College in the second round.
They seemed a good bet to go down in the first round to New Mexico, who was favored for their matchup. However, it appears that facing non-ACC opponents again has brought out their best. They dominated the Lobos in a 77-56 win, then bounced Baylor 72-64 on Sunday.
The odds are against the Tigers again, which is no surprise. However, counting them out would be a bold move. This season, Clemson is 8-1 ATS (6-3 SU) as an underdog. The lone missed cover came in their regular season finale, an 81-76 loss at Wake Forest as a four-point underdog.
But Clemson is up against some strong numbers here. Arizona is 22-11-2 ATS this season, including 10-4-2 in their last 16 games and 8-4 ATS when favored by single digits.
That said, of the top title hopefuls, Arizona has the most losses, and as talented as they are, they're not going to stoke any fear into a team that's won at Alabama and North Carolina and very nearly won at Duke.
In the end, if you are comfortable making a spread play, you are much more fearless than I am. I think Arizona will win, but these kinds of games have brought out Clemson's best.
Prediction: Arizona to win
Clemson vs Arizona Best Bets
Clemson/Arizona Over 152.5 & Clemson/Arizona First Half Over 71.5
Bonus Picks: PJ Hall Over 16.5 Points (-110 at BetOnline) & Chase Hunter (Clemson) Over 14.5 Points (-106 at BetOnline)
After scoring 14 in the first round against New Mexico and 11 in the second round against Baylor, look for Hall to have a more productive performance against Arizona. Only one other time this season has he gone three games without scoring 17+ points.
For the season, Hunter averages 12.7 PPG, third on the team behind Hall and Syracuse transfer Joseph Girard III (15.3 PPG). But he has scored 15+ points seven times in his last nine games, which includes 20+ point games against New Mexico (21 points, 8 of 16 FG, 1 of 4 3PT, 4 of 7 FT) and Baylor (20 points, 5 of 10 FG, 3 of 5 3PT, 7 of 8 FT).
More March Madness Betting Information
Where Can You Bet on March Madness This Year?
Each year, millions upon of millions of March Madness bets are placed at the top online sports betting sites.
Most March Madness betting takes place around and at tournament time, which is from mid-March to early April. But throughout the year, you can bet on who you think will win the college basketball national championship.
Along with men's college basketball odds, most good sportsbooks now carry women's college basketball national championship odds, which are drawing a lot of attention this season with the likes of South Carolina, Iowa, and LSU vying to cut down the nets in Cleveland, Ohio on April 7.
Numerous sportsbooks are good for March Madness betting, but in addition to BetOnline, here are some of the books that we have reviewed and highly recommend:
If you are unfamiliar with any of the above sites, check out our sportsbook reviews to learn more about them. Speaking of offers, keep an eye on the latest sportsbook offers from these books and others as the countdown to the opening tip of March Madness continues. That way, you will not miss out on any special sports betting promos and bonuses to pad your bankroll for March Madness betting.
Other March Madness Content at Betting News
If you'd like to check out our other March Madness content, our March Madness guide is where you can find it all in one tidy place. But here's a rundown of some of what we have put together to help you with your NCAA Tournament betting this year.
We're also covering the 2024 NIT, so check out that content as well.
- Men's March Madness Futures Odds
- Women's March Madness Futures Odds
- 2024 Men's Final Four Odds
- Six Men's March Madness Sleepers for 2024
- Best March Madness Betting Tips & Strategies
- Where to Find the Best March Madness Betting Picks
- Best March Madness Betting Sites for This Year
- This Year's Best March Madness Bracket Challenges
- Betting News Bracket Mania (Our FREE March Madness Bracket Challenge!)
Interested in Learning More About Betting on March Madness & NCAA Basketball?
If you are interested in learning more about betting on men's or women's NCAA basketball, check out our college basketball betting guide. It covers the basics of wagering on March Madness, the Mountain West, the MAAC, McNeese State, and beyond.
Also, follow Betting News on X/Twitter, Twitch, and TikTok to get more March Madness and NCAA basketball insight from myself and the rest of our team. We're cooking up a lot of great NCAA Tournament content for both the men's and women's tournaments, so hit those links so you don't miss out on any of it.
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