Houston (21-4) at Arizona State (12-13)
- When: Feb 18 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Desert Financial Arena, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Preview
Spread: Houston -12.5
Total: 135.5
Tuesday’s Big 12 clash in Tempe features a struggling Arizona State team desperately trying to snap a five-game losing streak as they host No. 5 Houston. The Cougars are dominating on both ends of the floor, while the Sun Devils are searching for answers after back-to-back heartbreaking losses. Houston comes in as a heavy favorite, boasting one of the best defenses in the country, while Arizona State is in a freefall and struggling to close out games.
Arizona State Sun Devils – Betting Analysis
Record: 12-13 (3-11 Big 12)
ATS: 9-16
O/U: 13-12
Key Players:
BJ Freeman (G): 17.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG
Jose Perez (G): 12.3 PPG, 4.1 APG
Adam Miller (F): 10.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG
Arizona State is in a freefall, having lost five straight and six consecutive home games. The frustration is reaching a boiling point, with head coach Bobby Hurley admitting his team is feeling the pressure. The Sun Devils have battled in close games, most recently falling 74-70 to TCU after erasing a 13-point deficit.
Injuries and ejections have added to their issues. Freshman forward Jayden Quaintance missed the last two games with an ankle sprain, and Adam Miller has been ejected twice in the past two weeks. Their depth is being tested at the worst possible time.
On the court, the Sun Devils have shown flashes of competitiveness but struggle to sustain momentum for a full 40 minutes. BJ Freeman led the team with 21 points against TCU, but Arizona State must improve its efficiency if it wants to keep pace with Houston. They rank near the bottom of the Big 12 in field goal percentage (41.5%) and three-point shooting (31.8%), both of which are major red flags against Houston’s elite defense.
Betting Insight: Arizona State is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games and has struggled to cover at home. The offense is too inconsistent, and against a lockdown Houston defense, it could be another long night for the Sun Devils.
Houston Cougars – Betting Analysis
Record: 21-4 (13-1 Big 12)
ATS: 14-11
O/U: 9-16
Key Players:
LJ Cryer (G): 14.3 PPG, 40.8% 3PT
Emanuel Sharp (G): 11.8 PPG, 41.5% 3PT
Jamal Shead (G): 10.4 PPG, 6.2 APG
Houston continues to dominate, winning 17 of their last 18 games and extending their road win streak to 11 straight victories, the longest active streak in the country. Their latest triumph was a 62-58 road win over No. 13 Arizona, proving once again they can grind out wins against elite competition.
Defense has been the calling card for the Cougars all season. They lead the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 57.3 PPG, and rank sixth in opponent field goal percentage (38.1%). Against an Arizona State team that already struggles to score efficiently, Houston should have no trouble controlling the pace.
Offensively, Houston is much more balanced than previous seasons. They average 75.8 PPG and rank 11th nationally in three-point shooting (39.4%). The backcourt duo of LJ Cryer and Emanuel Sharp is lethal from beyond the arc, both shooting above 40% from three. Even though they struggled against Arizona (5-of-17 from deep), they should find more open looks against Arizona State’s weaker perimeter defense.
Betting Insight: Houston has covered the spread in three of their last five road games, and against a struggling Sun Devils squad, they should have no problem dominating both ends of the floor.
Betting Predictions & Best Props
Against the Spread: Houston -12.5 – The Cougars’ elite defense should stifle Arizona State’s inconsistent offense. Expect a strong defensive performance from Houston and a comfortable cover.
Over/Under: Under 135.5 – Houston’s defensive dominance will dictate the pace, and Arizona State lacks the firepower to push the total over.
Player Props:
LJ Cryer Over 14.5 Points – Cryer is Houston’s top scorer and thrives in road environments. Expect a bounce-back performance from three.
BJ Freeman Over 16.5 Points – Freeman is Arizona State’s best offensive weapon and will have to carry the load.
Emanuel Sharp Over 2.5 Made Threes – Shooting over 41% from deep, he should find open looks against Arizona State’s weak perimeter defense.
Final Score Prediction: Houston 74, Arizona State 58
The Cougars should suffocate Arizona State with their defense, making it difficult for the Sun Devils to generate consistent offense. Expect Houston to cover and the total to stay under.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
