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BYU (19-6) vs Arizona (23-2)
- When: Feb 18 2026, 9:00 PM
- Where: McKale Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(23) BYU vs (4) Arizona Preview & Prediction
Spread: Arizona -12.5
Moneyline: Arizona (-909)
Total: 164.5
Injuries headline this Big 12 clash in Tucson, but the betting market still lists Arizona as a 12.5-point home favorite in a game that projects pace and points.
BYU Cougars Betting Breakdown
BYU enters shorthanded after losing senior wing Richie Saunders to a torn ACL. He was averaging 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 37.6 percent from three. That production does not disappear easily.
Now the offense runs heavily through AJ Dybantsa and Robert Wright. Dybantsa is averaging 24.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game and leads the team with 388 field goal attempts. Wright is coming off back to back explosions, including 39 points against Colorado and 30 at Baylor. These two are high usage and unafraid in big moments.
BYU nearly erased a 19-point deficit in the first meeting before falling 86-83. Catching +12.5 again feels generous for a team that plays with edge and physicality.
BYU Prop Pick: AJ Dybantsa Over 23.5 Points – Dybantsa is the clear focal point now. He is averaging 24.4 per game and coming off high-pressure performances. In a projected fast-paced game with a 165 total, shot volume plus pace sets up well for him to clear this number.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Breakdown
Arizona saw its long stay at No. 1 end after consecutive losses. Injuries are a concern, with Koa Peat and Dwayne Aristode both questionable. That said, this remains one of the most explosive offenses in the conference.
Freshman Brayden Burries continues to impact winning plays, including a key weak side block in the first matchup. Arizona will lean on its depth and tempo at home, where the Wildcats typically push pace and create scoring bursts. If Peat sits, Tobe Awaka likely steps in, which could affect rebounding and interior defense.
Arizona escaped Provo by three earlier this season, but the home floor advantage is significant in Tucson.
Arizona Prop Pick: Brayden Burries Over 17.5 Points – Burries is trending upward and playing extended minutes in competitive games. In a matchup expected to push pace, his scoring opportunities should increase, especially if Arizona leans more heavily on its backcourt
Expert Final Score Prediction
Expect points. The total at 164.5 suggests another up tempo battle, and both backcourts can score in waves. Arizona wins at home, but BYU covers the +12.5 in a competitive matchup.
Lean: Over 165 if pace stays high.
Final Score: Arizona 88, BYU 79
Lean: BYU +12.5
Total: Over 164.5
- NCAAB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
