Both Arizona State and Nevada have a chance to prove they are worthy of their tournament bids while also building some momentum for their potential matchup against TCU on Friday.
The Sun Devils ended the season with a blowout loss in the Pac-12 semifinals to Arizona, with Arizona getting revenge after ASU beat them with a half-court buzzer-beater just a couple weeks ago.
Nevada comes into this game with three straight losses, two of them coming in overtime, including a conference quarterfinal defeat to San Jose State. This is shaping up to be a competitive game from two very hungry teams.
Read on for my Arizona State vs Nevada prediction and best bets.
Arizona State vs Nevada Odds
Note: CBB odds mentioned in this article for Arizona State vs Nevada were used from DraftKings Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted, and are current as of noon ET on Monday, March 13.
- Moneyline: Arizona State (-125) | Nevada (+105)
- Spread: Arizona State -2 (-110) | Nevada +2 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 134.5 (-110) | Under 134.5 (-110)
Arizona State vs Nevada Best Bet
Keep reading for more Arizona State vs Nevada betting tips.
Arizona State vs Nevada Prediction
Arizona State 69, Nevada 63
With a 134.5 total, the sportsbooks are clearly expecting a slower paced game, and I agree. While the Sun Devils offense can be a bit streaky, I do believe their defense is the best unit in this game.
To beat a defense like Arizona State, you need to have some success from beyond the arc, but Jarod Lucas is the only player on Nevada’s team who makes more than one three-pointers per game. Both teams start slow, but Arizona State pulls ahead in the end and closes this one out.
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Arizona State vs Nevada Best Bets
Under 134.5 (-110) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Arizona State is a strong defensive team ranked 27th in adjusted KenPom defense and 31st in college basketball with 85 points conceded per 100 possessions. Now combine that with the fact that Nevada is 245th in the nation in adjusted tempo and we have a recipe for an Under.
The Sun Devils have had their struggles on offense, ranking 300th in college basketball with 88.3 points scored per 100 possessions, so it’s possible they struggle to score, as well. I expect the Under to keep gradually moving down to around 131.
Arizona State Moneyline (-125) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
At the end of the day, Arizona State is the more battle-tested team, and I think it will show on Wednesday. People will call their buzzer beater win against Arizona fluky, but how many teams put themselves in that position against such a strong competitor?
Interestingly enough, ASU starters Desmond Cambridge Jr. and Warren Washington played two seasons each at Nevada, and it’s hard to say how much this will factor into the game plan, but they surely will be familiar with the style of basketball Nevada wants to play.
I’m expecting a close game, but I think this number drifts more and more, with ASU probably closing as around -140 favorites.
Arizona State vs Nevada Same Game Parlay
Arizona State vs Nevada Same Game Parlay (+205) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.25 unit(s)
- Desmond Cambridge Jr. 12+ Points (-360)
- Jarod Lucas Over 15.5 Points (-115)
- Arizona State Team Total Over 62.5 (-370)
Arizona State has scored 63 or more points 25 times this season. Even with a streaky offense, and a slower-paced game, this is a total they have easily cleared on the season.
Lucas has been a very important part of this Nevada offense, and the more they struggle, the more I think they turn to him. He’s played 35, 43, and 35 minutes over his last three games heading into the tournament, scoring more than 23 points in each of those.
Let’s finish up with ASU’s leading scorer Cambridge, who will look to get revenge on his former team. The 6-foot-4 senior guard has 10-plus field-goal attempts in 10 straight games and 16 of his last 18, giving him consistent volume to carry the weight early for this ASU team.
