(Photo: Brady Klain/WCSN)
On December 13, 1913, the University of Arizona Wildcats traveled from Tuscon to take on what was then known as the Normal School of Arizona. U of A won the game 41-17.
Thursday, 233 rematches and 106 years later, the Wildcats will travel back to Tempe, this time looking to beat Bobby Hurley and a team of youngsters trying to make their mark on the Pac-12.
It is a rivalry up there with the best of them. The University of Arizona and ASU have long been foes, especially in basketball. Over the years, the Wildcats have amassed a commanding 152-82 record against the Devils, long making ASU the underdogs of the desert.
This year, Hurley and his team may have what it takes to dethrone the ‘Cats, a team that has won the Territorial Cup in basketball six straight times over three seasons. Hurley will have to rely on freshman Luguentz Dort, senior Zylan Cheatham and the team’s most revered player in Remy Martin to get a win.
Dort started the season hotter than any freshman in college basketball. For weeks, he led the NCAA in freshman points per game and was up there in rebound totals as well. But, come the second half of the year, Dort’s legs were tested and in the eyes of many, it was a test he failed. Now, Dort is known for poor shot selection and pedestrian shooting. However, his defense may be a saving grace for his season and his NBA draft stock.
Dort is an impeccable on-ball defender. All season when his offense has failed him his defense has held strong. When his team takes on the Wildcats, he will need that defensive prowess more than ever, likely being matched up with Brandon Randolph. Randolph is a 6-foot-6 sophomore guard. He leads his team in points per game at 14.9.
If Randolph is too much to handle, the Devils rebounding could give them the momentum they need for their 83rd win against Arizona. In 2018-19, ASU ranks 18th in the NCAA in defensive rebounds per game, headed by Cheatham.
Cheatham has been the heart and soul of the team this year. His leadership and effort have been highly commendable and have arguably earned him a long look from NBA scouts. Just last week, Cheatham pulled in 20 boards against the UCLA Bruins, a feat that has not been accomplished by a Sun Devil since 1997.
The Wildcats rebounding has not been nearly as impressive. On the year they rank 206th in the NCAA averaging 25.2 defensive boards a contest. Cheatham alone is averaging just over 10.
Then there are the role players. Both squads run deep and it has shown in their records. Both teams are 5-3 in conference play and sit right in the middle of the Pac.
But, 2019 should have its own motivation for the Devils. They have been constantly conquered by the ‘Cats on the court. This year though, ASU won their first game at UCLA since 2009 with James Harden on the roster, had a player post the second triple-double in school history and tonight, with a Territorial Cup on the line, perhaps they can end a 6-0 run to stop U of A dead in their winning tracks.
