Colorado Buffaloes vs Arizona State Sun Devils: Can Barrington Hargress Lead the Buffs to Victory?

The Colorado Buffaloes are set to face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils in a highly anticipated basketball matchup. With both teams eager to make their mark early in the regular season, fans and bettors alike are keenly watching how this game will unfold. Let's dive into what each quarter might bring for these two competitive teams.

First Quarter

As the game tips off at Desert Financial Arena, all eyes will be on Barrington Hargress, a key player for the Buffs. Known for his agility and sharp shooting skills, Hargress is expected to set the pace early on. The Colorado Buffaloes vs Arizona State Sun Devils sportsbook odds currently favor the home team slightly, but with Hargress leading the charge, an early lead for Colorado could shift those numbers quickly.

Second Quarter

Moving into the second quarter, expect both teams to ramp up their defensive strategies. The Buffs' center, Fawaz Ifaola, will play a crucial role in controlling the paint and limiting second-chance opportunities for Sparky. Meanwhile, Josiah Sanders' ability to disrupt passing lanes could be pivotal in creating fast-break opportunities for Colorado. As of now, the Colorado Buffaloes vs Arizona State Sun Devils betting line suggests a tight contest, with neither team having a clear advantage.

Third Quarter

The third quarter often serves as a turning point in basketball games. For this matchup, it's likely where we'll see if Leonardo Van Elswyk can dominate under the basket against ASU's formidable frontcourt. The total points line is expected to hover around average scoring levels unless one team breaks away significantly during this period. Given both teams' recent performances, any significant swing in momentum here could alter betting dynamics considerably.

Fourth Quarter

In what promises to be an electrifying final quarter, clutch performances will be critical. Ian Inman and Sebastian Rancik have shown they can deliver under pressure for Colorado. Their contributions could be decisive if this game goes down to the wire. As it stands now, fans are eagerly awaiting how these final moments will impact not just the outcome but also future betting lines involving these two squads.

For those looking forward to catching all of this action live, tune into ESPN2 on January 3rd at 5:00 PM EST from Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, AZ. Whether you're rooting for the Buffs or Sparky's crew, this showdown promises excitement from start to finish.

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