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Buffaloes vs Sun Devils Picks and Predictions – Saturday January 3, 2026
Colorado heads to Tempe for a Big 12 matchup with Arizona State on Saturday, January 3, with tip set for 5:00 PM ET at Desert Financial Arena. ESPN2 has the broadcast, and the market is giving the Sun Devils a small home-court edge in what profiles like a high-skill, high-shot-volume game.
Arizona State is laying 3 points and the total is posted at 157.5, which is a pretty aggressive number for a conference game. That tells you the books expect tempo, free throws, and enough made shots to avoid the long scoring droughts that usually drag these totals down.
Colorado Buffaloes vs Arizona State Sun Devils Odds
These are the current betting lines, and bettors should keep monitoring the latest college basketball odds as numbers can move quickly in conference play.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Buffaloes | N/A | +3.0 (-110) | 157.5 |
| Arizona State Sun Devils | -155 | -3.0 (-110) | 157.5 |
Colorado Buffaloes Betting Form
Colorado comes in 10-3, and the profile is strong even if the road sample is still thin. They’ve been excellent at home (9-1) and merely fine away from Boulder (1-2), which is the first thing you weigh when you’re taking points on the road against a capable home team.
The offensive efficiency is real. Colorado’s field goal rate is sitting at 50.0%, and they generate a ton of value at the line, which is one of the best traits for an underdog in a short spread. If the whistle is even mildly friendly, free throws keep you attached to the number even when you go a few possessions without a clean look.
If you want the recent results and broader team splits in one place, check Colorado stats and results. For any late availability updates that swing rotation and shot creation
Arizona State Sun Devils Betting Form
Arizona State is 9-4 and has been steady at home (8-3), which is why the Sun Devils are favored even in a matchup where Colorado grades well offensively. They’re comfortable in their building, and the offense has enough shooting and enough rim pressure to avoid becoming a one-dimensional team.
The key betting angle is how Arizona State scores. They get to the line at a high rate and convert, which is a huge deal in games projected into the 80s. When a team can create points without relying on jumpers, it tends to hold up against good defenses and it tends to show up late when the game slows and possessions become more physical.
For full schedule context and team numbers, use Arizona State schedule and stats.
Colorado Buffaloes vs Arizona State Sun Devils Matchup Breakdown
This game shapes up as an efficiency battle more than a pure pace race. Both teams can score, but how they get those points is different. Colorado wants clean looks inside the arc, then cash in at the stripe when defenses start reaching. Arizona State can score with perimeter shooting, but its real separator is getting downhill and stacking free throws, which also helps a favorite cover short numbers.
Turnovers and defensive rebounding are the swing stats. Colorado can live with a few empty trips if it is getting to the line and keeping Arizona State off runouts. If the Buffaloes cough it up and ASU is getting transition chances, the game gets stretched and +3 becomes much tougher to protect.
The total at 157.5 is the hardest decision on the board. You can build an over case through tempo plus free throws, but you can also build an under case if the game turns into long half-court possessions and both teams defend without fouling. Late-game variance matters too. A tight spread often produces intentional fouling late, and that can turn a 151-point game into a 159-point game in a hurry.
Colorado Buffaloes vs Arizona State Sun Devils Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Colorado +3. The Buffaloes have the type of offensive efficiency that travels, and the free-throw profile matters a lot when you’re catching a single-possession number. If Colorado plays from in front or keeps it within one bucket late, +3 gives you real protection.
Arizona State’s case is simple and legitimate. Home court, strong home form, and an offense that can generate points without needing hot shooting. If the Sun Devils get Colorado into foul trouble and live at the line, they can cover without shooting a great percentage from the field.
On the total, I lean over 157.5, but it’s not a blind play. The over needs decent shot-making plus a normal whistle. If the game gets choppy with long possessions and fewer trips to the line, the number is high enough to miss even if both teams are efficient.
Best Bet: Colorado +3.0 (-110)
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re building a full Saturday card, start with the college basketball picks page and compare it with matchup context in the NCAAB previews hub. For quick navigation across teams and schedules on the slate, the college basketball teams hub keeps everything organized.
If you like a broader daily process beyond one game, the ScoresAndStats blog is a useful supplement. For betting fundamentals and how to think about spread and total math, the expert betting guide is a strong reference point during conference season.
If you prefer following proven track records, check the best handicappers list and validate current performance on the handicappers leaderboard. And if you want packaged plays instead of building the card yourself, you can find options on buy picks. To compare platforms and services, the sportsbook reviews and handicappers sites reviews sections can help you round out the decision-making.
