NCAA Basketball Preview: California @ Arizona

Arizona was almost indisputably the best team in the NCAA from the start of the season till Feb. 1.  It was then that their unblemished record took a hit and many began to question Arizona’s No.1 status.  Another loss later, and Arizona is sitting at No. 3 in the nation.  The fact that they are not No.1 still is thanks in large part to California.

Arizona still has a big home-stadium record.   They will be looking to post their 20th consecutive win in at home. To post that 20th win they are going to have to make it past the team that played spoiler to their perfect season, California.

The last time these two teams met was on Feb. 1.  Justin Cobbs spoiled Arizona’s unblemished 21-0 start with a jumper with 1 second left on the clock to give the Golden Bears the upset victory 60-58.  Whether or not the Bears can make magic happen twice remains to be seen.

It was a devastating loss for the Wildcats.  Arizona would not only suffer in the eyes of AP voters, but they also lost starter Brandon Ashley to a season-ending injury.

Arizona  has been hot lately.  They defeated Utah on the road last week.  Until then Utah had won 17 out of 18 of their home games.  They then traveled to Colorado, who had only one home game loss in 18, the Wildcats would win that game as well.  They will now have home-court advantage against the Bears.      

California has won three straight road games against ranked opponents.  They are also tied for third in the Pac-12 conference will be looking to remain among the top four teams in the division in order to get a bye into the Pac-12 tourney.

Arizona are the big favorites to win this game over at Bovada with a -13 point spread. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET.  You can watch it on ESPN2.