Arizona Wildcats vs Arizona State Sun Devils Picks and Predictions for Saturday January 31 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/31/2026, 04:25 AM ET

The Arizona Wildcats travel to Tempe on Saturday afternoon to face the Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena in a heated rivalry matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM, and the game will be televised nationally on TNT. At the time of this writing, the moneyline odds were not released. The total for this contest is set at 164.5 points, while Arizona enters as a 16.5-point road favorite on the spread. Before placing any wagers, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert analysis and daily betting value.

Wildcats Marching Through the Season Unbeaten

Arizona comes into this matchup with a perfect 21-0 overall record and has been dominant both at home and on the road. In their last five games, the Wildcats picked up wins over BYU, West Virginia, Cincinnati, UCF, and Arizona State, showing consistency against a variety of playing styles. This run highlights a team that has not only won games, but done so against quality competition.

Offensively, Arizona averages 89.6 points per game while allowing just 68.3 points defensively. The Wildcats shoot an elite 52 percent from the field and dominate the glass with 43.2 rebounds per contest. They also average 18.3 assists per game, reflecting excellent ball movement and unselfish play that consistently creates high-percentage scoring opportunities.

Arizona’s defensive activity complements their offense. The Wildcats average 8.5 steals and 4.5 blocks per game, using length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and protect the rim. That defensive pressure often leads to transition scoring, allowing Arizona to quickly turn small runs into commanding leads.

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Sun Devils Trying to Rise at Home

Arizona State enters Saturday’s rivalry game with an 11-10 overall record and has struggled to find consistency against top-tier opponents. Over their last five games, the Sun Devils earned a win over Cincinnati but suffered losses to UCF, West Virginia, Houston, and Arizona. That stretch reflects a team capable of competing in spurts, but one that has struggled to sustain success against elite competition.

From a statistical perspective, Arizona State averages 79.4 points per game while allowing 79.8 points, a nearly even scoring margin. The Sun Devils shoot 46 percent from the field and average 33.0 rebounds per contest, which can put them at a disadvantage against strong rebounding teams. They also average 14.4 assists per game, relying more on individual shot-making than consistent ball movement.

Defensively, Arizona State does provide some resistance, averaging 7.1 steals and 4.5 blocks per game. However, breakdowns in transition defense and perimeter coverage have been costly, particularly against teams that push tempo and share the ball effectively, like Arizona.

Arizona Wildcats vs Arizona State Sun Devils Pick

Arizona Wildcats vs Arizona State Sun Devils Pick Against the Spread

Arizona -16.5

I’m backing Arizona to cover the spread in this matchup. The Wildcats’ efficiency on offense, dominance on the glass, and ability to force turnovers make them a tough matchup for Arizona State. Even on the road in a rivalry setting, Arizona’s consistency and depth should allow them to build and maintain a comfortable lead.

Arizona Wildcats vs Arizona State Sun Devils Total Pick

Over 164.5

I’m taking the over in this game. Arizona’s high-powered offense combined with Arizona State’s willingness to push pace at home creates the potential for a fast, high-scoring contest. If the Sun Devils can contribute offensively, this total is well within reach.

Final Score Prediction:

Arizona 92, Arizona State 74

How To Bet This Matchup

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