[10:30 PM] #8 Arizona v. Butler

Who will WIN this matchup?

#8 Arizona Wildcats (5-0)

Butler Bulldogs (5-0)

 

• Butler senior forward Andrew Chrabascz recorded his second career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the Bulldogs’ 76-66 victory over Vanderbilt on Thursday.

• The Bulldogs face their toughest test of the young season against Arizona, which continues to thrive without Trier, who missed five regular-season and two exhibition games. Other players have stepped up in his absence, including freshmen guards Kobi Simmons and Rawle Alkins, who combined for 22 points against Santa Clara.

• Guard Tyler Lewis scored 15 points and forward Kelan Martin added 14 points against Vanderbilt as the Bulldogs forced 16 turnovers and overcame a poor shooting performance to remain unbeaten. Martin scored in double figures in all five contests but was 3-of-12 shooting against the Commodores and missed four of his five attempts from 3-point range. Kamar Baldwin averages 9.8 points for the Bulldogs, who are shooting 50.5 percent from the floor and outscoring their opponents by 22.2 points.

• Butler could be hard-pressed to find an answer for Wildcats 7-foot freshman center Lauri Markkanen, who continued his impressive start Thursday with 16 points and nine rebounds against Santa Clara. Markkanen formed an immediate connection with junior point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who has 20 assists against three turnovers in his last three games. Arizona entered Thursday’s action shooting 30.2 percent from 3-point range but showed improvement Thursday by going 9-for-18 against Santa Clara.

• Arizona is 156-21 under coach Sean Miller when leading at the half. 

StreakSmarts Pick: #8 Arizona Wildcats

Confidence: 5/10

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