The UCLA Bruins have a tough task on hand on Thursday night as they take on the Arizona State Sun Devils.
While UCLA comes in as one of the top five teams in America, there’s a good chance that we can see Arizona State be ranked sometime soon as they’ve played well this season with a 15-3 record. If the contest goes the way that many are expecting it to, this has a chance to be one of the best games of the entire week. This is a rivalry between the two Pac-12 squads, and that always results in high-end games.
UCLA comes in as a 5-point favorite on the road, and while that makes sense, it might not be a bad idea to jump on Arizona State if you like them Thursday.
Program Changing Win for Arizona State
This game for Arizona State could be one of those old-fashioned program-changing wins. Coach Hurley has had his boys ready to go this season as they have wins over Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, San Diego, Creighton, SMU, Stanford, Michigan, and other high-level opponents. Their defense is what’s been working for them all season. When Arizona State is getting stops at an elite level, it typically ends in them getting wins.
The question will now be if they can get stops against an elite-level team like UCLA. The Bruins might be the best team they’ve played all season and for what it’s worth, likely the best offense as well. Desmond Cambridge is someone to watch out for, as the guard is averaging 12.1 points per game and leading the Sun Devils in scoring thus far.
Arizona State’s offense hasn’t been the best, but if they can turn defense into offense, they will be fine on Thursday night.
UCLA Realizes Task on Hand
UCLA understands at this point of the season that Arizona State isn’t the same Arizona State team of the past. Typically, they can roll out of bed and come away with an easy win. Still, there’s no denying that they can come away with the win in this one, but it shouldn’t be as easy as it typically is. UCLA has been incredible this season, with some impressive wins. However, the top teams they’ve played have all resulted in losses. They’re 7-0 in the Pac-12 and have won 13 straight.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the guy to follow in this one, as he’s averaging an impressive 16.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and shooting 51% from the field.
UCLA Bruins vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Prediction
This line is an interesting one, as UCLA is clearly the better team. Sportsbooks realize that Arizona State isn’t any slouch this season and that they have a chance of winning this game outright, so it’s not too surprising to them favored. At -5, it might not be a bad idea to jump on UCLA as they look to win their 14th game in a row.
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