The Utah Tech Trailblazers are off to a blazing 2-0 start, and they’ll get their biggest test yet when they visit No. 13 Arizona on Friday night.
Trailblazers’ Hot Start Sets Up Big Test in Tucson
Jon Judkins’ team has piled up the points early, averaging 95.5 per game through their first two contests, including a 110-point explosion against Bethesda.
Ethan Potter has led the charge with 19 points per game, while Chance Trujillo adds 15.5 points and four assists. Madiba Owona has been ultra-efficient off the bench, averaging 17 points in just 19 minutes per game. The offensive rhythm has been encouraging after last year’s 7-26 campaign, which included only two WAC wins.
Judkins, in his 21st season at Utah Tech, appears to have a much more cohesive roster this year. The Trailblazers’ upcoming schedule doesn’t get easier, though—they’ll face Arizona State on Sunday before returning home to meet Manhattan and Mississippi Valley State.
Arizona Riding Momentum After Florida Win
The Arizona Wildcats opened their season with a statement victory, taking down top-ranked Florida behind a breakout performance from freshman Koa Peat. The highly-touted newcomer delivered 30 points in his collegiate debut, setting the tone for Tommy Lloyd’s balanced and explosive team.
Peat wasn’t alone in his dominance. Jaden Bradley added 27 points, while Ivan Kharchenkov recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Arizona’s offensive depth was on full display, something that could become a defining strength as the season unfolds.
The Wildcats are coming off a 24-13 season that saw them reach the Sweet 16. They went 14-6 in their first year in Big 12 play, notching wins over Kansas and Texas Tech in the conference tournament before falling to Houston in the final. Their NCAA Tournament run included wins over Akron and Oregon before bowing out to Duke.
Arizona will remain home after this matchup, hosting Northern Arizona on Tuesday before entering a brutal stretch against UCLA, UConn, Auburn, and Alabama.
Utah Tech vs. Arizona Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Moneyline: Utah Tech +5000 | Arizona -100000
Spread: Arizona -28.5
Total: 162.5 (Over/Under -110)
No injuries have been reported for either team.
Series History
This will be just the second meeting between these programs. Arizona defeated Utah Tech 104-77 in their first matchup back in 2022, pulling away after a 49-21 halftime lead.
Arizona all-time vs. Utah Tech: 1-0
Prediction
Utah Tech’s offensive tempo could make things interesting early, but Arizona’s talent, size, and depth should take over before long. The Wildcats might not win by 30, but they’ll control the game throughout.
Final Score Prediction: Arizona 86, Utah Tech 70