Northern Colorado vs Arizona State Prediction 11/6/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Northern Colorado Bears and the Arizona State Sun Devils will meet Friday night in a college basketball matchup at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.

Northern Colorado Bears vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Prediction

In my view, this matchup favors the Northern Colorado Bears staying within the number (18.5). Why? While Arizona State competed in the Big 12 last season, the Sun Devils finished with a modest 17-16 overall record and a 7-11 mark in conference play. Arizona State also struggled defensively, allowing 78.3 points per game, which was slightly worse than Northern Colorado’s defensive numbers.

Meanwhile, Northern Colorado quietly put together a successful 20-12 campaign and proved capable of competing away from home, compiling an 8-7 road record. The Bears also averaged 78.1 points per game, which was actually better than Arizona State’s 75 points per contest. When comparing last season’s statistical profiles, Northern Colorado’s offense stacks up favorably with the Sun Devils. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Northern Colorado Bears plus the 18.5 points in this game.

Northern Colorado Bears Betting Preview

The Northern Colorado Bears enter Friday night’s matchup after posting a 20-12 overall record (11-3 home record, 8-7 road record and 11-3 Big Sky Conference record) during the 2025 season.

The Bears recorded quality victories throughout conference play and established themselves as one of the better teams in the Big Sky. Northern Colorado consistently found ways to win games due to balanced offensive production and an ability to compete in difficult environments.

The Northern Colorado Bears averaged 78.1 points per game last season while allowing 78.1 points per contest. What did we learn from the data just presented? The Bears possessed a quality offense but often found themselves involved in high scoring games due to defensive inconsistencies. Additionally, Northern Colorado was competitive on the road as the team compiled an 8-7 record away from home.  

Three days ago, the Northern Colorado Bears opened the 2026 campaign by defeating Charleston College 117-64.  

Arizona State Sun Devils Betting Preview

The Arizona State Sun Devils enter Friday night’s matchup after posting a 17-16 overall record (10-5 home record and 7-11 Big 12 Conference record) during the 2025 season.

The Sun Devils competed against one of the toughest schedules in the nation on a nightly basis and remained competitive throughout much of Big 12 play. While Arizona State showed flashes against elite competition, consistency was often an issue.

The Arizona State Sun Devils averaged 75 points per game (139th nationally) while allowing 78.3 points per contest last season. What did we learn from the data just presented? Arizona State’s offense was respectable, but defensive issues were a primary reason the team struggled to secure more wins.   

Why the Northern Colorado Bears Will Win

• Winning experience. The Bears posted a 20-12 overall record last season.

• Road success. Northern Colorado compiled an impressive 8-7 road record in 2025.

• Productive offense. The Bears averaged 78.1 points per game last season.

• Conference success. Northern Colorado finished 11-3 in Big Sky Conference play.  

• Momentum. Three days ago, the Northern Colorado Bears opened the 2026 campaign by defeating Charleston College 117-64.  

Why the Arizona State Sun Devils Will Win

• Power conference experience. Arizona State competes in the Big 12 which is considered one of the best college basketball conferences in the nation.

• Home court advantage. The Arizona State Sun Devils amassed a rather impressive 10-5 win-loss record at home last season.

• Strength of schedule. Arizona State faced substantially stronger competition than Northern Colorado.

• Athleticism. The Sun Devils possess superior size, length and overall roster depth.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Northern Colorado +18.5