Hoping to end a five game losing streak, Nebraska will take on an Arizona State team that has lost 12 of their last 13 games, in the inaugural Crown Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Fred Hoiberg and the Huskers missed out on both the NCAA and Big Ten Conference Tournament, but most certainly have what it takes to make a run and win this tournament.
Arizona State has been struggling mightily this season under head coach Bobby Hurley and things won’t be better tonight, as the Sun Devils will be without key contributors in true freshman Joson Sanon (Transfer), BJ Freeman (Transfer) and Jayden Quaintance (Injury).
For the Huskers, they will be without point guard Rollie Worster for the tournament, but we could see Braxton Meah and Gavin Griffiths play as they both are working through some injuries.
Player to Watch for Arizona State:
Alston Mason:
13.5 PTS 2.5 REB 4 AST 38.2% 3 PT
In his last four games, senior guard Alston Mason is attempting close to 15 shots per game and it should be more of the same tonight for a depleted Arizona State team.
Mason will play close to every single minute tonight and the Huskers will need to watch out for his three point shooting.
Mason is shooting just 30% from three in his last 2 games, but has came up big at times this season, making 5 threes in a close loss against Arizona and 4 in a loss to Houston.
Player to Watch for Nebraska:
Brice Williams:
20 PTS 4.1 REB 2.8 AST
Brice Williams has taken a monster leap this season, in large part due to the success he had getting to the free throw line.
Williams has shot 10 or more free throws in 6 games this season, with the Huskers winning 5 of them.
Prediction:
With Arizona State dealing with such a depleted roster, it make’s it really hard to believe that the Huskers lose this game.
I expect the Huskers to come out and play fast, trying to wear out the Sun Devils early.
Monday, March 31st, 2025
7:30 PM CT FS1
Nebraska: 73 Arizona State 64
