The UCLA Bruins look to make a push back into the rankings when they host the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion in a Pac-12 throwback matchup tonight.
It’s been a disappointing start to the year for the Bruins, and my Arizona State vs. UCLA predictions don't expect things to get any better tonight.
Find out why in my college basketball picks for December 17.
Arizona State vs UCLA prediction
Arizona State vs UCLA best bet: Arizona State +8.5 (-110)
The vibes cannot be described as “wonderful” in Westwood.
The UCLA Bruins started the season ranked No. 12 in the country and were expected to have a strong season under Mick Cronin, who was looking to get back into good graces after several letdowns in recent years. They’re now just 7-3 and have dropped out of the rankings entirely.
Covering spreads has proven difficult for UCLA (3-6-1 ATS). Donovan Dent may transform into the superstar that most expected coming out of the transfer portal, but as of today, he’s a player shooting 37% from the field, 7.7% from behind the arc, and 64.7% from the stripe.
There are issues with the roster construction, primarily due to a lack of true options at center. That’s forced a stretch four with limited defensive consistencies — Xavier Booker — into a full-time gig at center that is going about as anticipated.
The Arizona State Sun Devils are a game opponent, going 8-2-1 ATS under Bobby Hurley. They have five wins away from home, including over Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington State.
This is a wide line against a sinking UCLA team with coaching woes, roster construction issues, and an offensive obsession with mid-range jumpshots, the least efficient shot in basketball.
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Arizona State vs UCLA same-game parlay
Anthony “Pig” Johnson earned his first collegiate start last time out against Santa Clara and responded with 15 points — 14 of which came in the second half.
He'll continue playing a big role in the offense, especially if Bryce Ford is still out with an ankle injury. UCLA allows shots at the rim (27th in opponent near-proximity attempt rate, per Haslametrics), which plays into Pig’s playing style.
These two teams tend to get into high-scoring games against each other, cashing the Over in nine of the last 11 meetings. UCLA is 4-1 O/U in its last five games, and the defense has yet to click as it normally does under Cronin.
Arizona State vs UCLA SGP
- Arizona State +8.5
- Anthony Johnson Over 12.5 points
- Over 146.5
Our beyond the arc SGP: Buckets upon buckets
ASU tends to get out to fast starts offensively, cashing the first half Over in 20 of its last 34 games. Hurley’s defense, ranked 81st in adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom, will likely struggle to get stops on a capable UCLA offense.
Arizona State vs UCLA SGP
- Arizona State +8.5
- Anthony Johnson Over 12.5 points
- Over 146.5
- First half Over 68.5
Arizona State vs UCLA odds
- Spread: Arizona State +9 | UCLA -9
- Moneyline: Arizona State +375 | UCLA -500
- Over/Under: Over 146.5 | Under 146.5
Arizona State vs UCLA betting trend to know
Arizona State is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Arizona State vs. UCLA.
How to watch Arizona State vs UCLA
| Location | Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Arizona State vs UCLA key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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