The Arizona State Sun Devils (13-5, 4-2 Pac-12) and the UCLA Bruins (10-8, 3-2 Pac-12), who both like to play up-tempo, will battle at Pauley Pavilion. The game is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Arizona State Sun Devils at UCLA Bruins Free Prediction
The last time the Sun Devils played, they beat the Oregon Ducks, 78-64. Arizona State’s 0.347 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Oregon, who had a rate of 0.190. The Sun Devils’ mark was above their season average of 0.279, while the Ducks’ was below their season average of 0.251. With 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting, Zylan Cheatham was Arizona State’s high scorer.
The Bruins lost to the USC Trojans in their last game, 80-67. USC’s 0.125 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over UCLA, who had a mark of 0.056. The Trojans’ mark was below their season average of 0.206, while the Bruins’ was below their season average of 0.229. UCLA’s Kris Wilkes had 13 points and nine rebounds in the game.
There should be a fair amount of transition offense in this battle that showcases two of the NCAA’s more up-tempo teams. UCLA ranks 27th in possessions per game (75.0) and Arizona State is 58th (72.9).
After the Sun Devils won the only game against the Bruins last season, 88-79, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Sun Devils knocked down 25 of their 28 free throws (89.3 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (8.4 vs. 14.4).
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. UCLA Bruins Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Arizona State, ATS Winner – Arizona State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Arizona State averages 41.8 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the country. UCLA ranks 207th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
The Sun Devils rank 104th in assists per game (14.2) while the Bruins rank 238th in assists allowed per game (16.3).
UCLA ranks 147th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while Arizona State ranks 257th in three pointers allowed per game (26.4).
The Bruins rank 24th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Sun Devils rank 103rd (3.3).
Arizona State ranks 126th in steals per game (6.1) while UCLA ranks 171st in steals allowed per game (7.5).
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The Sun Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 6.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 82.0 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.2 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
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