Arizona State Sun Devils Head to California to Face Golden Bears with Opportunity to Capitalize on Poor Defense

Game outlook

On New Year's Eve, the Arizona State Sun Devils head to California to face the Golden Bears in a Pac-12 Conference matchup. The Sun Devils are coming off of a successful start to the season after defeating Stanford in their opening Pac-12 game, while the Golden Bears are looking to make a comeback after a loss to #1 Arizona. Although California is currently listed as the betting favorite at -3.5, the opening line for the match was -2.5. The game is set to begin at 8:00 PM EST.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Sun Devils +140 | Golden Bears -173

Spread: Sun Devils +3.5 (-110) | Golden Bears -3.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 149 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that California will win straight-up is 63%.

Arizona St. Sun Devils

Arizona State is hopeful of a return trip to the NCAA Tournament this season, and their effort paid off on Friday night with a 76-73 comeback win over Stanford. Led by four players with double-figures in scoring, the Sun Devils improved to an overall 7-5 (4-8 ATS) record, showing promise on both ends of the floor. It will take a similar effort in the coming games for ASU to make it to the NCAA Tournament.

California Golden Bears Analysis

The California Golden Bears have begun their Pac-12 season on a poor note with a 4-8 record overall and 0-1 record in conference play. Unfortunately, the Golden Bears have struggled to generate offense, scoring an average of 76.42 points per game and have a field goal and three-point percentage of 43.73% and 34.18% respectively. They have fared poorly on the defensive end as well, allowing 77.92 points per game and a field goal and three-point percentage of 45.29% and 37.31% respectively.