Free Pick: UCLA -1.0 – Thu February 12th 2009 9:00p
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Call it revenge or call it payback. Either way UCLA is out to right a wrong against Arizona State. The Sun Devils rolled into Pauley Pavillion less than a month ago and hung a 61-58 overtime loss on the Bruins. Tonight you can expect another low-scoring affair as Ben Howland’s club ratchets up the defensive intensity against ASU.

The Bruins enter tonight’s game with a five-game winning streak and a 4-0 ATS run. It’s worth noting as well is the OVER has cashed in UCLA’s last six games. However those total toppers have come against teams that play more of an up-tempo style. The Sun Devils do not fit into that category as evidenced by one of the worst games of this, or any college basketball season.

Arizona State is coming off a 49-38 win over Oregon State in a contest as dull as the day is long. If ASU’s effort against the Beavers is any indication, than I’m guessing the Sun Devils “peaked” against UCLA.

Only once since 1981 have the Sun Devils swept the Bruins in a season series. UCLA had won eight straight series meetings before last month’s stunner in Westwood. However, the Bruins look like a different team since that loss and Alfred Aboya might be a big reason why. He’s become a force inside and is turning in quality minutes after being MIA for most of the season.

I like UCLA to win and I like this game to go UNDER. I’m not much of a parlay or teaser guy, but you might consider one or both tonight. This one won’t be pretty but UCLA will get the job done.

If you enjoyed this article then you may be interested in:

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3. Texas A&M vs. UCLA: NCAA Basketball Tournament Picks & Odds
4. USC vs. UCLA Betting Picks & Predictions: December 6th 2008
5. Final Four Picks: Memphis Tigers vs. UCLA Bruins
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7. 2008 Arizona State Sun Devils College Football Predictions