Nebraska (17-14) vs Arizona State (13-19)
- When: Mar 31 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
Nebraska vs Arizona State Betting Preview & Prediction
Spread: Nebraska -5 | Total: 155.0
The College Basketball Crown might be a new tournament on the calendar, but Monday’s matchup between Nebraska and Arizona State has the feel of two programs looking to end their seasons with some dignity. Both enter this opening-round clash in Las Vegas on five-game losing streaks, and with plenty of off-court distractions, motivation and chemistry could be the deciding factors.
Nebraska Outlook: Searching for a Final Chapter
Nebraska (17-14) hasn’t taken the court since March 9, when a home loss to Iowa dashed any hope of making a deep postseason run in the Big Ten tournament. Since then, they’ve lost an assistant coach and seen their injury list grow, including center Braxton Meah, who is questionable with a lingering back issue.
Despite the chaos, Nebraska is expected to lean heavily on senior leaders Brice Williams and Juwan Gary. Williams leads the team in scoring (20.0 PPG) and brings stability to an otherwise unpredictable roster. Gary adds physicality inside and contributes on both ends.
Motivation is a factor here. This might be a makeshift postseason tournament, but it’s also a shot for Nebraska to send their seniors off with a win and build momentum heading into a critical offseason. The Huskers are the more stable and deeper team on paper.
Arizona State Outlook: Short-Handed & Reeling
Arizona State (13-19) enters this game as a heavy underdog for good reason. They’ve dropped 11 of their last 12 games and will be down to just seven scholarship players. Top freshman Joson Sanon, who averaged 11.9 points per game, has already bolted via the transfer portal. Their bench is thin, and fatigue could be an issue late in this one.
Still, ASU’s starting five has shown flashes. Guards BJ Freeman and Alston Mason will be tasked with the scoring load, while freshman forward Jayden Quaintance will be key inside, especially if Meah is ruled out for Nebraska.
The Sun Devils can be pesky, but with such a thin rotation and a program already in offseason mode, it’s tough to back them here.
Betting Prediction & Pick
Spread Pick: Nebraska -5
Total Pick: Under 155.0
Score Prediction: Nebraska 77, Arizona State 66
The Huskers have the edge in experience, health, and motivation. Arizona State’s short bench and lack of depth will likely be exposed, especially if this game gets up-tempo. Expect Nebraska to pull away in the second half and cover the number. The total may be a touch too high given both teams are rusty and dealing with limited rosters, so the under is worth a look.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
