ASU was stomped by the Wildcats in Tucson just 11 days ago
It’s been 11 days since Arizona State was handed one of the most embarrassing losses in program history and the most lopsided loss in the 246-game history of the Territorial Cup. after getting stomped by 45-points to the No. 6 Arizona Wildcats in the McKale Center.
Paint defense and transition were two elements that guard Jamiya Neal said killed the Sun Devils when the two teams last played.
But Arizona State is not the same team.
Both programs have since gone 1-1 since the walloping in Tucson. Arizona suffered its first home loss to No. 21 Washington State before prompting trouncing Washington, likely unleashing its distaste for its loss prior. Arizona State nearly completed what would have been a program record 25-point comeback against Washington before shocking the Washington State team that handled the Cats, 73-61.
In order to compete or perhaps log another upset, the Sun Devils will need to replicate its success in the paint and on the boards as it did against Washington State. Arizona’s 260-pound center Oumar Ballo had nine of 15 first half points in the paint, but his poor perimeter shooting could be a crack Hurley hopes to exploit. Arizona also out-rebounded Arizona State 46-28 in the first meeting.
Arizona State (14-14, 8-9 Pac-12) holds a 10-4 record at home, while Arizona (21-6, 12-4 Pac-12) is 29-22 at Desert Financial Arena.
ESPN gives Arizona State just a 7.3% chance at an upset and the Wildcats are -11.5 favorites. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.