The Arizona State Sun Devils (9-3) and the Utah Runnin’ Utes (6-6) go head-to-head at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils look to continue their seven-game winning streak. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Sun Devils defeated the Cal State Fullerton Titans 102-94, while the Runnin’ Utes beat the Maine Black Bears 75-61.
Utah played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 and a free throw rate of 0.236. Maine was 13.5 and 0.145, respectively, for those same stats. The Sun Devils, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 15.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.333 vs. 0.257). Luguentz Dort played well for Arizona State with 28 points and nine rebounds. Sedrick Barefield, meanwhile led the way for Utah, finishing with 18 points and eight assists.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Runnin’ Utes won the most recent contest 80-77. Utah’s 0.194 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Arizona State, who had a rate of 0.157. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Dort has been superb as of late for Arizona State, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
It will be a showdown of conflicting paces as the up-tempo Sun Devils (ranked 39th in the nation in possessions per game) will look to push the slower-paced Runnin’ Utes (336th in possessions per game). Moreover, the Runnin’ Utes, who rank 56th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 percent), will face a difficult challenge against the Sun Devils, who rank 16th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.3 percent).
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Arizona State Sun Devils ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Arizona State, ATS Winner – Arizona State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Arizona State ranks fifth in rebounds per game (42.7) while Utah ranks 169th (35.2).
- The Runnin’ Utes average 24.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 77th in the nation. The Sun Devils rank 238th in three pointers allowed per game (26.5).
- Utah is 36th in the country with 5.3 steals allowed per game while Arizona State is 47th with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Sun Devils have scored an average of 86.2 points per game (6.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
- The Runnin’ Utes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 0.6 for the season.
