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Arizona Wildcats Basketball Forums => Arizona Wildcats Basketball => Topic started by: WILD on January 28, 2026, 08:05:22 PM
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Arizona Vs Asu 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 1/31/26 at 12pm TNT
The Territorial Cup rivalry returns to Tempe on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats (21-0, 8-0 Big 12) visit the Arizona State Sun Devils (11-10, 2-6 Big 12) at Desert Financial Arena. Tip-off is set for 12PM MST on TNT. This marks the 251st meeting in the series—actually the 252nd counting all games—with Arizona holding a dominant 164-87 all-time edge and riding a six-game winning streak. The Wildcats won the first matchup this season on January 14 in Tucson, 89-82, despite a strong effort from ASU that included 11 made threes. Playing at home could give the Sun Devils a spark in this heated in-state battle, where upsets have happened before under coach Bobby Hurley.
Arizona remains the nation's last unbeaten team, powered by an explosive offense that averages 89.6 points per game on 51.6% shooting while limiting opponents to 68.3 points on just 39.3% from the field. They dominate the boards with 43.2 rebounds per contest and force turnovers effectively. Freshman guard Brayden Burries leads the way with 15.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds, shooting 50.0% from the field and 37.2% from three. Forward Koa Peat adds 14.5 points and 5.8 rebounds at 57.1% shooting, while guard Jaden Bradley contributes 14.0 points and strong defense. Center Motiejus Krivas (10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks) and forward Tobe Awaka (10.1 points, 9.7 rebounds) provide interior presence—Awaka had a standout 25-point performance in the first rivalry game.
Arizona State has shown flashes but struggles defensively, allowing 79.8 points per game on 46.2% shooting while scoring 79.4 on 45.8%. Guard Maurice Odum paces the offense with around 17 points and solid assists, and center Massamba Diop offers efficiency inside. The Sun Devils hung tough in Tucson before fading late, hitting 11 threes and leading for stretches. Home energy and a need for a big win could make this closer than the rankings suggest, but Arizona's depth and momentum make them heavy favorites in what promises to be another intense chapter of this classic rivalry.
Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Sun devils!
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Arizona -15.5 @ ASU