(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
Arizona State’s historic regular season comes to an end Saturday afternoon, as they welcome the Stanford Cardinal (16-14, 10-7) to Tempe.
The Cardinal got the victory in the first matchup, defeating ASU (20-9, 8-9) 86-77. The nine point loss is tied for ASU’s largest on the season. Stanford have five players finish with at least 13 points, and shot 51 percent from the field. They were led by Reid Travis, who finished with 19 point and 10 rebounds. Romello White was the leading scorer for the Devils, adding 19 of his own, with 11 coming from the foul line.
Fast forward nearly two months later, and there is a lot on the line for both teams. Stanford, as it stands, is almost guaranteed to miss out on the tournament this season. They’re only two games above .500, and would need a miracle to secure a bid. Hence the Pac-12 tournament. Coming into the game, Stanford is in a four-way tie for the third seed in the tournament, which would give them a first-round bye. With the hopes of miraculously making a late push and winning the Pac-12, this would be monumental for the Cardinal to secure. Though a loss wouldn’t knock them out of it completely, this matchup with ASU is one they can’t afford to lose.
On to ASU. They’ve already secured an 8th seed bid, which is surprising considering they’re tied for the third most overall wins in the conference. A win versus Stanford would almost lock in their tournament bid. For the Devils, this would add another quality win to their already stacked resume, mainly featuring some impressive out of conference wins.
Stanford was won three of their last four games, but are coming off an eight point loss at the hands of the Arizona Wildcats. After dropping three in a row, ASU defeated Cal by more than 30, their largest win in conference this season.
These two teams match-up very well. Both teams are shooting exactly 46.4 percent from the field this season. Defensively, both are allowing 74 points a game as well.
Stanford and ASU both have a lot to prove, and will be playing for something on Saturday. For the Devils, it will be senior night. It will be the last time the three starting guards Shannon Evans, Tra Holder, and Kodi Justice all suit up at Wells Fargo Arena. Tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m. M.T. and can be seen on the Pac-12 network.
