It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the Colorado Buffaloes (8-6, 0-2 Pac-12) welcome the No. 4 Arizona State Sun Devils (12-1, 0-1 Pac-12) to Coors Events Center. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 4, 2018, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
Arizona State is a 9-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 161 points.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Colorado Buffaloes ATS Prediction
The last time the Sun Devils played, they were topped by the No. 17 Arizona Wildcats, 84-78. Arizona’s 0.516 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Arizona State, who had a rate of 0.439. The Wildcats’ mark was below their season average of 0.584, while the Sun Devils’ was below their season average of 0.592. Tra Holder was the game’s high scorer with 31 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The Buffaloes fell to the Oregon Ducks in their last contest, 77-62. One of Oregon’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Buffaloes were just 5-8 (62.5 percent). With 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, Namon Wright led Colorado in scoring.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Colorado offense. Colorado ranks 276th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.8 percent), while the gambling defense of Arizona State forces the 62nd-most turnovers in the nation (22.1 percent).
Arizona State heads into the contest with records of 12-1 straight up (SU) and 10-1-2 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Sun Devils tend to finish over the O/U total (61.5 percent).
Meanwhile, Colorado is 8-6 SU and 5-9 ATS. Games including the Buffaloes have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
After the Sun Devils won the only game against the Buffaloes last season, 78-77, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Sun Devils’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Buffaloes. Arizona State had a rate of 13.0, while Colorado posted a mark of 15.0.
Arizona State Sun Devils at Colorado Buffaloes Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Arizona State, ATS Winner – Colorado, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Arizona State is 4-0-1 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Colorado is 4-2 ATS at home with 3 overs and 3 unders.
Arizona State ranks 30th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Colorado ranks 160th (7.4).
The Buffaloes rank 148th in three pointers allowed per game (22.3) while the Sun Devils rank 256th (26.3).
Colorado ranks 55th in rebounds per game (38.9) while Arizona State ranks 142nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Arizona State is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Colorado is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Sun Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.8, down from 18.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Buffaloes have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.0 points per game (7.3 above their season average).
