The No. 16 seed Long Island University Sharks face the No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday afternoon.
The Sharks are 30.5-point underdogs, but my Long Island University vs. Arizona predictions expect a productive game from their only quality big in Shadrak Lasu.
Here are my best free March Madness picks for this West Region contest on March 20.
Long Island University vs Arizona prediction
Who will win Long Island University vs Arizona?
Arizona: Don't overthink this. The Arizona Wildcats might be the best team in the country. They've been favored by more than 30 points in seven games this season and won all of them by more than 25.
Long Island University vs Arizona best bet: Shadrak Lasu Over 5.5 rebounds (-120)
In what should be a blowout, there's value in backing LIU Sharks players on their props. The Wildcats play at a blistering pace, and once they build a big lead, they could rest some of their top players and won't be quite as locked in.
LIU forward Shadrak Lasu has grabbed at least six boards in 11 of his last 15 games, averaging 7.1 rpg over that span.
The Sharks have an extremely small lineup, and Lasu is easily their biggest player at 6-foot-9. They'll need him on the court as much as possible against Arizona's imposing frontcourt.
COVERS INTEL: Arizona ranks 214th in offensive rebounds allowed per game (9.1), with that number ticking up to 11.7 over the last three contests.
Long Island University vs Arizona same-game parlay
Jamal Fuller leads LIU with 16.4 ppg on 52.5% shooting. He has scored at least 17 points in six of his previous eight games.
He might not be as efficient as usual against Arizona's elite defense, but shooting volume alone should help him surpass 13.5 points.
This is a massive spread, and there's plenty of room for a backdoor cover if the Wildcats ease off the throttle, especially if Lasu and Fuller have productive games.
Long Island University vs Arizona SGP
- Shadrak Lasu Over 5.5 rebounds
- Jamal Fuller Over 13.5 points
- LIU +30.5
Our Big Dance SGP: Team Canada
LIU has a whopping three Canadian starters, including Lasu and Fuller. The third is point guard Malachi Davis, a former Arizona State recruit, who averages 3.4 apg.
He has dropped 3+ dimes in four of his last six contests.
Long Island University vs Arizona SGP
- Shadrak Lasu Over 5.5 rebounds
- Jamal Fuller Over 13.5 points
- Malachi Davis Over 2.5 assists
- LIU +30.5
Long Island University vs Arizona odds
- Spread: Long Island University +30.5 | Arizona -30.5
- Moneyline: Long Island University +3300 | Arizona -100000
- Over/Under: Over 150.5 | Under 150.5
Long Island University vs Arizona betting trend to know
The Wildcats are 2-6 ATS when favored by more than 20 points this season. Find more college basketball betting trends for Long Island University vs. Arizona.
How to watch Long Island University vs Arizona
| Location | Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA |
| Date | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 1:35 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Long Island University vs Arizona key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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