It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the Washington State Cougars (12-9, 3-5 Pac-12) welcome the Arizona State Sun Devils (12-7, 3-4 Pac-12) to Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. The game will air on ESPNU at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Washington State Cougars Free Prediction
The Sun Devils will be looking for a similar outcome after edging the No. 22 Arizona Wildcats in their last game, 66-65. Arizona State’s 13.6 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Arizona, who had a mark of 21.7. The Sun Devils’ mark was better than their season average of 15.2, while the Wildcats’ was above their season average of 14.4. With 24 points on 10-for-17 shooting, Remy Martin was the top scorer from either team.
In the Cougars’ last game, they lost to the Utah Runnin’ Utes, 76-64. Utah’s 0.304 free throw rate was their largest strength over Washington State, who had a mark of 0.036. The Runnin’ Utes’ mark was above their season average of 0.297, while the Cougars’ was below their season average of 0.214. Washington State’s Isaac Bonton had a good performance, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball security could play a significant role in this showdown. Washington State commits the 20th-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Arizona State forces the 48th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.5 percent). Additionally, the Sun Devils rank 260th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.7 percent), while the Cougars rank 51st in defensive rebounding percentage (75.5 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Martin (24 points,4.4 assists,1.2 steals) has been stellar for the Sun Devils while Bonton (16 points,5.8 assists) has contributed greatly to the Cougars.
After the Cougars won the only game against the Sun Devils last season, 91-70, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Washington State did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (27-33; 81.8 percent). Arizona State, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (17.1 vs. 20.3).
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Washington State Cougars Odds Pick
Free Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – Washington State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Arizona State ranks 49th in steals per game (7.9) while Washington State ranks 108th (6.7).
The Sun Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.8 points per game (7.9 above their season average).