The Sun Devils nearly shocked the world against No.1 Arizona and come with plenty of positives

(Photo: Courtesy of AZ Central)

Heading into Wednesday night, Arizona State men’s basketball was 2–8 all‑time against the nation’s No. 1 team. Its trip to McKale Center marked the 250th meeting between ASU and rival Arizona, as well as the Sun Devils’ 11th game against the country’s top dog.

Given the Wildcats’ undefeated record and sixth‑best scoring margin nationally, it was easy to see why ASU was a 21.5‑point underdog. But by halftime, it looked as if the Sun Devils had a real chance of leaving Tucson with a win, taking a 39–38 lead into the break.

The chances of an upset looked even more realistic when considering the last time ASU stunned a No. 1 team. In 2018, the Sun Devils trailed Kansas 74–67 with four‑and‑a‑half minutes left. At the same point on Wednesday, ASU faced a 75–69 deficit.

However, even if history rhymes, it doesn’t ensure a repeat. After that point in the game, Arizona (17‑0, 4‑0 Big 12) held a slim 14–13 edge over ASU (10‑7, 1‑3), and that margin carried the Wildcats to an 89–82 win. With the win, Arizona extended its head-to-head edge over the Sun Devils to a 164-86 all-time record.

Here are three takeaways from ASU’s better‑than‑expected showing in the rivalry matchup.

Devils Lack Defense

When facing ASU this season, opponents have shot a combined 45.3 percent from the field — the second-worst percentage in the Big 12. The Wildcats entered Wednesday shooting a league‑best 51.8 percent, and that number climbed after Arizona hit 54.2 percent against the Sun Devils.

ASU narrowly held the Wildcats below their season average of 91 points, allowing a still‑sizable 89. The Sun Devils especially struggled to contain Arizona in the paint, surrendering 46 interior points, nearly matching the Wildcats’ average that ranks second-best nationally.

Rebounding Remains a Major Problem

ASU’s rebounding issues surfaced again Wednesday, and the gap on the glass told the story. The Sun Devils finished with just 28 total boards, one of their lowest totals of the season, while Arizona grabbed 39. That split reflected each team’s season‑long identity.

ASU entered the night near the bottom of the Big 12 in total rebounds, rebounding margin and offensive rebounds, and Wednesday’s performance stayed on script. The Wildcats, on the other hand, played to their strengths. Arizona secured 28 defensive rebounds and 11 offensive rebounds, numbers in line with their conference‑leading averages.

Those extra possessions kept the Sun Devils from generating second‑chance opportunities and prevented them from sustaining momentum during key stretches. The Wildcats won the second-chance points battle 14-8. Wednesday night was the sixth time this season the Sun Devils scored less than 10 second-chance points.

Peat’s Perfect Half Outdueled Odum’s Surge

Arizona found its closer in freshman forward Koa Peat, who delivered a flawless second‑half performance that swung the rivalry matchup. The Chandler native and Perry High School product finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds, and he didn’t miss a field goal after halftime, going 7‑for‑7 as the Wildcats repeatedly leaned on him to steady possessions. His production underscored why head coach Bobby Hurley pursued him out of high school and why the Sun Devils struggled to contain him.

ASU countered with a standout effort from senior guard Maurice Odum, who poured in 23 points and handed out a team‑high seven assists. Odum scored 18 in the second half and briefly gave the Sun Devils life when he drilled a three with 56 seconds left while drawing a foul. But after the missed free throw, the Wildcats bled the clock and turned to senior guard Jaden Bradley, who stepped into a dagger mid‑range jumper with 27 seconds remaining.

With the rest of the Sun Devils combining for just 25 points in the second half, Odum kept ASU within reach. But Peat’s efficiency, paired with Bradley’s late shot, ultimately closed the door and crushed the Sun Devils’ upset dreams.