Colorado vs. Arizona State Pick and Prediction for Saturday January 3 2026
Conference realignment takes center stage as the Colorado Buffaloes travel to Tempe to face the Arizona State Sun Devils for their inaugural Big 12 matchup. Tip-off is set for Saturday at 5:00 PM ET (3:00 PM local time) on ESPN2.
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Both programs are looking to snap two-game skids. Colorado (10-3, 0-0 Big 12) is coming off a frustrating home loss to Northern Colorado, while Arizona State (9-4, 0-0 Big 12) fell to Oregon State and UCLA in their final non-conference tune-ups. The Sun Devils are narrow 2.5-point favorites at Desert Financial Arena. Get all of the best college basketball picks.
Buffs searching for road success
Colorado started the season 8-0—their best start in over 70 years—but they have recently struggled with consistency. The Buffaloes' offense is high-powered, averaging 85.9 PPG, but they have often found themselves in shootouts due to a defense that allows 77.4 PPG.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
| 2 |  Tony Karpinski | +1,731.00 |
| 3 |  Jesse Schule | +1,599.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,284.00 |
| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
The standout for the Buffs is Isaiah Johnson, a dynamic reserve who leads the team with 15.6 PPG. Johnson is fresh off a 25-point, 8-rebound effort and is a primary reason the Colorado bench is one of the more productive in the conference. He is supported by Bangot Dak (16.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG) and Barrington Hargress, who provides steady playmaking at the point.
One major piece of good news for Colorado: forward Alon Michaeli (10.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG), who missed the last game due to illness, is expected to return for this conference opener. His size and interior scoring will be vital against ASU’s length.
Sun Devils' veteran backcourt ready for Big 12 debut
Arizona State remains one of the more volatile teams in the Big 12, capable of beating anyone when their backcourt is clicking. The Sun Devils average 80.0 PPG and have been elite at getting to the free-throw line, ranking second in the conference with 25.5 attempts per game.
Senior guard Moe Odum is the engine, leading the team in both scoring (16.2 PPG) and assists (6.2 APG, 19th in NCAA). He is joined by Anthony Johnson (13.6 PPG), forming a veteran backcourt that thrives in transition. Defensively, freshman center Massamba Diop has been a revelation, providing a rim-protecting presence with 1.46 blocks per game.
The key for ASU will be their three-point defense. In their recent losses, they allowed opponents to find rhythm from the perimeter. If they can force Colorado into a half-court game and utilize Diop's rim protection, they have a strong chance to extend their 22-game home winning streak.
Spread pick for Colorado vs. Arizona State
Arizona State -2.5 (-118)
The Sun Devils are 8-0 at home this season and have historically had Colorado’s number in Tempe, winning the last two meetings. Colorado’s 0-1 true road record and recent defensive lapses (allowing 86 points to Northern Colorado) suggest they may struggle with ASU’s backcourt speed and the hostile environment of Desert Financial Arena. Take the Sun Devils to cover the small spread in their Big 12 home debut.
Total pick for Colorado vs. Arizona State
Over 159.5 (-112)
Both teams rank in the top 100 in adjusted tempo and prioritize pushing the ball in transition. Colorado has hit the Over in 20 of their last 36 games, and with both teams coming off losses where they struggled to get stops, expect a fast-paced, high-possession game. With Michaeli returning for CU and Odum leading the break for ASU, this game should easily clear the 160-point mark.
Would you like me to keep an eye on the official status of ASU's B.J. Ford or provide a weather update for Tempe before the 5:00 PM tip-off?
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