Arizona Wildcats vs Samford Bulldogs Picks and Predictions December 18th 2024

Cold-shooting Arizona eyes turnaround vs. high-scoring Samford

Arizona and Samford face off on Wednesday in Tucson, Ariz., in a clash of two teams with drastically different trajectories. Samford rides high on a five-game winning streak, while Arizona grapples with early-season struggles and confidence issues.

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Samford: A Team on Fire

Samford (9-2) is blazing through the season, buoyed by their dominant offense. With a 72-47 win over Austin Peay last Sunday, the Bulldogs extended their home record to a flawless 7-0 and solidified their standing as the second-highest scoring team in the nation, averaging an impressive 90.5 points per game.

Offensive Weapons

• 3-Point Shooting Excellence:
  • The Bulldogs average 11.5 made 3-pointers per game, a key component of their offensive success.
  • Trey Fort leads with 30 made 3-pointers, shooting 39.5% from deep while averaging 13.9 points per game.
  • Jaden Brownell, Samford’s leading scorer (14.7 points per game), shoots a blistering 45% from beyond the arc.
• Team Momentum:
  • Head coach Bucky McMillan is optimistic, stating, “A 9-2 start to the season is a good start, but most importantly, we are getting better.”
  • The Bulldogs aim to continue their strong form before diving into Southern Conference play.

Arizona: Searching for Stability

Arizona (4-5) is in unfamiliar territory, off to its worst start since the 2009-10 season under Sean Miller. The Wildcats are coming off a 57-54 loss to former Pac-12 rival UCLA, marking their third defeat in four games.

Offensive Struggles

• Shooting inefficiencies have plagued Arizona:
  • The Wildcats are making just 30% of their 3-point attempts.
  • Preseason All-American Caleb Love leads the team in scoring (13.3 points per game) but is struggling with consistency, shooting only 36.6% from the field and 27.9% from deep.
• Head coach Tommy Lloyd, accustomed to early-season success in his first three years, faces new challenges. “We’re not going to act like everything’s going great,” Lloyd admitted. “This group is going to have to fight…where’s our confidence at?”

Defensive Concerns

• Arizona has allowed opponents to shoot 34.2% from beyond the arc, adding pressure to their already struggling offense.
• A more aggressive defensive approach will be necessary to slow down Samford’s potent shooters.

Keys to the Matchup

Samford’s Edge

• Scoring Depth: Samford’s balanced attack, led by Fort and Brownell, gives them multiple options to exploit Arizona’s defensive lapses.
• Confidence and Momentum: Riding a five-game win streak, the Bulldogs enter the game with optimism and a proven ability to dominate.

Arizona’s Redemption Plan

• Improved Shooting: The Wildcats must find ways to convert open shots, particularly from 3-point range, to keep pace with Samford.
• Defense: Limiting Samford’s efficiency from beyond the arc will be critical. Defensive adjustments and rebounding will also play a key role.

Psychological Factor

The game represents a test of resilience for Arizona. Overcoming adversity and rebuilding confidence will be as important as on-court execution. Meanwhile, Samford’s momentum and cohesion could provide a mental advantage.

Looking Ahead

For Samford, this game serves as a final tune-up before beginning Southern Conference play against The Citadel on Jan. 1. Arizona, on the other hand, is fighting to avoid a third stretch of consecutive losses this season. A win could be the spark they need to get back on track.

The Wildcats have the talent to compete, but the Bulldogs’ offensive firepower and confidence make them a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a high-energy game with stakes that could shape the remainder of both teams’ seasons.

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Conclusion
This matchup is more than just a non-conference game; it’s a battle of identity for Arizona and a test of consistency for Samford. If Arizona can rediscover their offensive rhythm and defend the perimeter effectively, they could disrupt Samford’s red-hot streak. On the other hand, Samford’s well-oiled offense and confidence could overwhelm the Wildcats, further extending their woes. All eyes will be on Tucson as these teams clash in a pivotal mid-season encounter.

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