Ucla Bruins vs Arizona State Sun Devils Picks and Predictions December 17th 2025

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Arizona State arrives in Los Angeles riding momentum after a historic comeback. The Sun Devils erased a 17-point halftime deficit to beat Santa Clara in Las Vegas, matching the largest halftime rally in program history. That surge came after Bobby Hurley’s first-half ejection, with the team responding with energy and urgency. You can follow market movement leading into tip on the NCAA basketball odds page.

UCLA returns home after an 82-72 loss to Gonzaga. The Bruins stayed close for much of the second half before defensive breakdowns swung the game late. Mick Cronin was blunt about the effort on that end, and UCLA will be looking for a sharper response against a familiar opponent.

The rivalry history leans heavily toward UCLA. The Bruins have won five straight meetings and eight of the last nine against Arizona State, including several games where defensive pressure dictated pace.

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Line Movement and Odds

UCLA opens as the home favorite, supported by recent head-to-head results and defensive metrics. Arizona State’s comeback win has drawn attention, but bettors still weigh consistency away from home. Totals sit in a moderate range, reflecting Arizona State’s improved scoring balance and UCLA’s half-court tendencies.

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Matchup Breakdown

Arizona State’s confidence starts with its guards. Maurice Odum leads the team in scoring, assists, made threes, and steals. Anthony “Pig” Johnson’s second-half explosion last game showed the Sun Devils can flip momentum quickly. Massamba Diop adds interior presence and rebounding stability.

UCLA counters with structure and size. Tyler Bilodeau has emerged as the primary scoring option, averaging 16.6 points per game. Donovan Dent runs the offense efficiently and posted his first double-double against Gonzaga. UCLA wants to control pace, limit transition chances, and force Arizona State into half-court execution.

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Injuries and Conditions

Arizona State

No new injuries reported.
Full details: Arizona State team page

UCLA

No new injuries reported.
Full details: UCLA team page

Indoor matchup, no weather considerations.

Best Bets and Prediction

UCLA’s defensive discipline and recent dominance in this matchup give the Bruins an edge, but Arizona State’s confidence and guard play should keep this competitive. Runs on both sides are likely.

Projected Score: UCLA 76, Arizona State 71
Best Bet: UCLA ATS at home
Secondary Lean: Under, tied to UCLA’s pace control

For situational betting structure and matchup fundamentals, use the Bettors Handbook.

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