Arizona State Sun Devils vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Picks and Predictions March 31st 2025

Nebraska and Arizona State Aim for Redemption in College Basketball Crown

The College Basketball Crown is breathing new life into March hoops — and Monday’s matchup between Nebraska and Arizona State might be the perfect example of how. Both programs limp into this first-round clash on five-game losing streaks, but the tournament offers one last shot at rewriting their season’s story.

Set in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the inaugural postseason event brings together teams in transition, like Nebraska (17-14) and Arizona State (13-19), for a shot at late-season relevance.

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“Obviously a crazy time preparing and doing everything for the tournament,” Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg said. “At the same time, with the landscape of college basketball right now, we’re doing a lot of work as far as trying to figure out our roster for next season. And visits and Zooms and going out and seeing guys.”

Nebraska Navigating Roster Shifts and Injury Concerns

The Cornhuskers haven’t seen game action since March 9, when they closed the regular season with a loss to Iowa. That defeat kept them out of the Big Ten tournament, and since then, top assistant Adam Howard has exited to join the staff at NC State.

Still, Nebraska’s veterans want to close things out with pride. First-team All-Big Ten guard Brice Williams leads the charge, averaging 20 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Forward Juwan Gary provides muscle and energy, contributing 14 points and 4.8 boards.

Injuries may limit the Huskers’ frontcourt. Seven-footer Braxton Meah is questionable with a lingering back issue, while point guard Rollie Worster has been officially shut down after gutting through a foot injury for most of the season.

“He’s been playing with a plate in his shoe,” Hoiberg said. “He’s been really, really sore. It just got to the point to where it’s tough to put a lot of weight on it. The decision was made to put him in a boot.”

Arizona State Looks to Youth Amid Transition

Arizona State last played on March 11, falling to Kansas State in the Big 12 tournament. The Sun Devils dropped 11 of their final 12 games, but Bobby Hurley will reportedly return for an 11th season as head coach.

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The program is dealing with its own offseason dominoes. Freshman guard Joson Sanon, a top recruit and the team’s fourth-leading scorer, has entered the transfer portal and committed to St. John’s. In contrast, the Sun Devils will eventually gain transfer Marcus Adams from Cal State Northridge — although he won’t suit up in the Crown.

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That leaves Arizona State with just seven scholarship players available, but all five starters remain intact. BJ Freeman (13.7 PPG) and Alston Mason (13.5 PPG, 4 APG) will handle backcourt duties, while freshman Jayden Quaintance (9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks) holds down the paint.

A Final Chance at Glory

Neither team enters this game brimming with momentum, but both have plenty to play for. The winner will advance to face either Georgetown or Washington State in the quarterfinals.

And while the spotlight may not be as bright as the NCAA Tournament, the stakes still matter for players trying to end their college careers with dignity or gain experience for the next chapter.

For fans looking to make the most out of the College Basketball Crown, our college basketball predictions offer expert insight into every matchup and betting edge.