Pac-10 Hoops – #22 Washington Huskies vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

Looking for a way to pass the time Friday night before a weekend full of NFL action? Look no further than the Pac-10, where two of the conference’s best teams will square off in Tempe.

The visiting Washington Huskies come in with a record of 10-3, and are currently the only conference team ranked in the top 25 nationally. They are one of college basketball’s highest scoring teams, averaging over 82 points per game, which is also top’s in the Pac-10. Their top scorer, is also the second leading scorer in the Pac-10, senior forward Quincy Pondexter. Pondexter is averaging 21.3 points, as well as a team high eight rebounds a game.

Here are some NCAA Basketball Betting Trends Which May Impact This Game:

• Washington: 0-3 ATS in their last 3 games
• Washington: Total has gone OVER in their last 3 games
• Arizona State: 1-3 ATS in their last 3 games
• Arizona State: 2-4 ATS at home

Joining Pondexter is the dangerous Isaiah Thomas, a pint sized guard, that averages 18.2 points per game. Surprisingly, freshman Abdul Gaddy, a former McDonald’s All-American who was expected to contribute significantly for this team, is only scoring four points per contest.

As for Arizona State, all season long, they have been unable to replace the scoring of James Harden, a 1st Team All-Pac 10 performer last year, who was the third pick in last year’s NBA Draft. This team’s best player is sharpshooting Rihards Kuksiks, a junior averaging 11 points per game. He is joined by guard Derek Glasser, who leads this team with 5.2 assists per game. Down low, Eric Boateng, a transfer from Duke plays center, and leads this team in rebounding.

When looking at this matchup, expect the team that is able to control tempo to win this game. As we said, Washington is this conference’s highest scoring team, and if they can score in the 80’s, they will win. Arizona State simply can’t keep up, and at times has struggled to score this season. In last weekend’s loss to USC, they scored just an embarrassing 37 points.

Even on the road, expect Washington to win this game. They have the better athletes, and the bigger frontcourt. On the season the Huskies are outrebounding their opposition by over eight boards per game, and that will likely be the difference in this one. Arizona State almost always plays three guards, and because of it, will be at a height disadvantage all night.

There’s a reason that Washington is ranked in the top 25, they’re good and only getting better. Expect them to win comfortably Friday night, covering the college basketball betting odds.

Aaron’s Pick: Washington by 12