UCLA vs. Arizona State Basketball: Game preview and prediction

UCLA Bruins basketball current rankings

Net (NCAA) Ranking: 173

Pomeroy College Basketball (Ken Pom) Ranking: 112

Rating Percentage Index (RPI) Ranking: 225

College Basketball Power Index (BPI) Rankings: 135

NCAA Tournament Probability: 0.3%

Arizona State Sun Devils basketball current rankings

Net (NCAA) Ranking: 107

Pomeroy College Basketball (KenPom) Ranking: 101

Rating Percentage Index  (RPI) Ranking: 42

College Basketball Power Index (BPI) Ranking: 118

NCAA Tournament Probability: 13.7%

A look at the basketball history between Arizona State and UCLA and a look at the game prediction for this upcoming game between the Bruins and Sun Devils.

The current winning streak in the series between Arizona State and UCLA: UCLA has won in the last three games against Arizona State in this Pac-12 rivalry.

The last game between the Bruins and the Sun Devils: UCLA beat Arizona State at home on March 2nd of last year by a final score of 79-61.

The best victory this season for UCLA and Arizona State according to their opponent's current NET Ranking: For the Sun Devils, it was a win against Utah and for the Bruins, it was a victory against Washington.

The record for UCLA against Arizona for the last ten meetings they faced off against one another: UCLA has won six of the last ten games against Arizona State.

Leading scorers for both teams: The Sun Devil's leading scorer is former Michigan Wolverine Frankie Collins who is averaging 13.6 points per game for the Arizona State. The Bruin's leading scorer is Sebastian Mack who is averaging 13.6 points per game.

Pac-12 games this season for Arizona State: @ Stanford, won 76-73; @ Cal, won 71-69; Utah, won 82-70; Colorado, won 76-73; @Washington, lost 82-67.

Pac-12 games this season for UCLA: @ Oregon State, won 69-62; @ Oregon, lost 64-59; Stanford lost 59-53; Cal lost 66-57; @ Utah, lost 82-67; Washington won 73-61.

Which team is predicted to win the game according to ESPN Analytics?: They have Arizona State as having a 71.7% chance of winning this game against the Bruins.

Game Prediction: Here are reasons why UCLA pulls off the upset

Momentum: UCLA is coming off a win against Washington, snapping a four-game losing streak and potentially boosting their confidence and morale.
Defense: UCLA has a strong defensive unit, currently ranked 16th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency. This could limit Arizona State's offensive production.
Head-to-head record: UCLA has won six of the last seven matchups against Arizona State, suggesting a potential psychological advantage.

Recent struggles for the Sun Devils: Arizona State just suffered their first Pac-12 loss against Washington, a team the Bruins just defeated.
Turnovers: Arizona State tends to turn the ball over, which could lead to easy scoring opportunities for UCLA.
Defense: While not as bad as their offense, Arizona State's defense is ranked 94th in adjusted defensive efficiency, meaning UCLA could find scoring opportunities.

Based solely on head coach Mick Cronin's track record during the past three seasons before this one, he usually finds a way to turn the season around after a series of losses. Nothing is guaranteed, but UCLA looks reenergized with their win against Washington and look for the Bruins to pull off another upset but this time on the road against the Sun Devils. Final Score UCLA 73 Arizona State 71.