NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Saturday, Jan. 9, 5:00 p.m. ET, PAC-12 Network
Arena: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
Line: UCLA (-5)
After losing their first two games of Pac-12 play, the UCLA Bruins pulled off a major upset at home as they knocked off the No. 7 Arizona Wildcats 87-84 on a Bryce Alford game-winning three. UCLA has struggled throughout the season, but now has big wins over both Arizona and the Kentucky Wildcats that should propel them into the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
However, next up for the Bruins is an underrated Pac-12 squad, the Arizona State Sun Devils, who are more than capable of making it to the Big Dance as well.
Despite their season opening loss to Sacramento State, Arizona State has knocked off several talented teams, including the Belmont Bruins, Creighton Bluejays, North Carolina State Wolfpack, UNLV Rebels and Texas A&M Aggies. Unlikely to do anything crazy like win the Pac-12, the Sun Devils could rack up wins against the mid-level conference teams like UCLA, and easily make it to the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
That being said, UCLA remains 8-1 at home and will be flying high after their victory over Arizona. Their suspect defense is counteracted by their explosive offense, which bodes well for the Bruins seeing as the Sun Devils rank No. 161 in points allowed per game.
Although I expect this game to be tight and high scoring, it’s hard to pick Arizona State in an upset. Remember, the Sun Devils have lost every game in conference play so far. That trend will continue on Saturday afternoon.
Prediction: UCLA 84, Arizona State 77
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