The Texas Tech Red Raiders take on the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe, AZ, on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Tip-off is set for 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Texas Tech is favored by 8 points on the spread with a moneyline of -380. Arizona State, meanwhile, enters as a +8 underdog and is +300 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 153.5 total points.
Here’s my Texas Tech vs. Arizona State prediction and college basketball picks for Tuesday, February 17.
Texas Tech vs Arizona State Prediction
My Pick: Arizona State +8.5 (Play to +7.5)
My Texas Tech vs Arizona State best bet is on the Sun Devils to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Texas Tech vs Arizona State Odds
| Texas Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -105 | 153.5 -110o / -110u | -380 |
| Arizona State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -115 | 153.5 -110o / -110u | +300 |
- Texas Tech vs Arizona State Spread: Texas Tech -8, Arizona State +8
- Texas Tech vs Arizona State Over/Under: 153.5 Points
- Texas Tech vs Arizona State Moneyline: Texas Tech -380, Arizona State +300
Texas Tech vs Arizona State College Basketball Betting Preview
Texas Tech Basketball
Grant McCasland continues to do a masterful job as the head man in Lubbock.
The Red Raiders were a play away from the Final Four last season and once again appear to be capable of making a deep run in this year's NCAA Tournament.
The best evidence of that? What Tech just did in Tucson on Saturday.
Most had considered Arizona the most complete team in America, but the Red Raiders went into a raucous McKale Center and found a way to win in overtime.
Texas Tech ranks inside the top 30 in KenPom's efficiency rankings on both offense and defense.
That type of balance makes this team difficult to game plan for, and there really isn't a weakness to exploit.
On Tuesday night in Tempe, McCasland's team must regain focus quickly if it wants to stay in the race for the Big 12 regular-season title.
Arizona State is pesky and will have had a full week to prepare for this one.
Texas Tech star center JT Toppin should be able to have a big night on the interior, but the Red Raiders' guards will need to bring the intensity on the defensive end against an ASU backcourt that can get going from distance.
Arizona State Basketball
Bobby Hurley has sounded very discouraged and defeated at various postgame press conferences this season, but to his credit, that hasn't impacted the effort his team has played with.
The Big 12 is an absolute meatgrinder, and there really aren't any easy games on the schedule. ASU has learned that the hard way, sitting just 4-8 in conference play this season.
Moe Odum and Anthony "Pig" Johnson are two veteran guards who can make shots from deep and also get into the lane and make plays for the open man.
To beat a team of Tech's caliber, both are going to need to be at their best, and a third wing will also likely have to knock down some shots.
Massamba Diop will get tasked with dealing with Toppin in the paint, and the youngster will need to leverage his length and athleticism to contain Toppin as much as possible.
It's also difficult to imagine ASU consistently getting stops in the half-court against the Red Raiders offense, barring an off-shooting night.
The Sun Devils just aren't very good on that end, ranking outside the top 100.
What they can do is score it, and I have reason to believe there are plenty of paths to offensive success for ASU in this one, which will likely lead to a fast-paced, high-scoring game.
Texas Tech vs Arizona State Pick, Betting Analysis
This feels like a max effort spot for Arizona State, which has continued to play hard despite taking plenty of punches in Big 12 play.
Meanwhile, this is an emotional letdown spot for the Red Raiders after their massive upset win over Arizona.
The Sun Devils struggle on the defensive end, but they can score with just about anybody, especially in their own building.
I expect to see ASU take an early lead before it comes down to whether or not it can get enough stops.
Ultimately, the Red Raiders will probably have enough firepower to pull out the victory, but I love the value on the Sun Devils to keep it close and cover this number as a home underdog.
I also lean toward the over, but the official play is to take Arizona State and the points.
My Pick: Arizona State +8.5 (Play to +7.5)
