No. 16 Texas Tech vs No. 1 Arizona Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 14)

• The Red Raiders have a 3-3 record on the road.
• The Wildcats are no longer undefeated after losing to Kansas.
• This marks the 56th all-time meeting between the MAC programs.

The Big 12 has a ranked matchup on the way during Valentine’s Day as the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats host the No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Wildcats enter the game as the solid favorite, knowing that they can’t underestimate the quality of their conference opponent.

MORE: UCLA vs No. 2 Michigan Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 14)

How to Watch

• When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 6:30 pm ET
• Where: McKale Memorial Center, Tucson, Arizona
• How to Watch: ESPN

NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines

Game Preview

The No. 16 Red Raiders (18-6, 8-3 Big 12) are gaining back their winning momentum with their latest matchups. Since losing to ranked Kansas, they got back on track after beating West Virginia on the road and blowing out Colorado at home. Beating Arizona would be immense to their candidacy for an At-Large bid for the NCAA Tournament.

They lead the Big 12 with 11.5 made 3-pointers per game and is second by shooting 39.1% from deep. JT Toppin recorded 15th double-double of the season, most in the conference, and also leads the Big 12 with 10.9 rebounds per game and is third in the conference in scoring with 21.5 points per game. Christian Anderson, who racked up six double-doubles and counting this season, leads the Big 12 and is third nationally with 7.7 assists per game and is sixth in the conference with 19.1 points per game.

The No. 1 Wildcats (23-1, 10-1 Big 12) have asserted themselves into the conversation as one of the most dominant teams in the country. They ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll that was released Jan. 9, marking the ninth straight week in the top spot to set a program record. However, their perfect start to the season ended after losing 82-78 on the road to Kansas on Feb. 9.

The Wildcats stand out as elite in multiple categories. They rank inside the top 10 in rebound margin (4th), scoring margin (5th), FG pct. (8th), FG pct. defense (9th), fastbreak points (9th). Brayden Burries was a major bright spot in the upset loss to Kansas, scoring 25 points to go with five rebounds and three steals against the Jayhawks. He leads the Wildcats in scoring this season at 15.7 points per game. On another note, Tobe Awaka could have a big role with the inside game as he is third in the Big 12 with 9.6 rebounds per game while also scoring 9.7 points per game

Texas Tech vs Arizona Head-to-Head

The two programs have had 55 meetings in their history, and the result is 29-26 for the Red Raiders. The last matchup was in March 2025 when Arizona secured an 86-80 win during the conference tournament.

Texas Tech vs Arizona Predictions

Both teams will exchange blows throughout the ranked matchup. The Red Raiders have the star power to keep up with one of the best squads in the country who might secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, Arizona has yet to lose a game on its homecourt with a 13-0 record to show for it. If Texas Tech can’t keep the hostile crowd quiet and force bad shots on the defensive side of the ball, expect the Wildcats to coast to victory. Our betting pick here is for the Wildcats to defend a 9-point spread.

• Free NCAAB pick: Arizona Wildcats -9