ASU Men’s Basketball looks to Break 5-year Losing Streak against Arizona in Tempe

Meanwhile, the Sun Devils have floundered after their hot 8-1 start, falling to 11-8. With a 2-6 conference record, ASU has struggled to leave its impression in its inaugural season in the Big 12.

Saturday’s matchup sees ASU try to break a five-year losing streak to Arizona in Tempe. To accomplish that goal, the Sun Devils will need to rely on scoring leader senior forward BJ Freeman, who’s averaging 13 points per game. 

Freeman has carried a lot of the weight for ASU’s offense, while freshman center Jayden Quaintance has made his mark on the defensive side of the ball being fourth nationally with 3.0 blocks per game.

Arizona’s fifth-year guard Caleb Love looks to maintain his perfect record against ASU. The AP preseason All-American has led the Wildcats to the second-best scoring offense in the Big 12 with him leading the program with 15.3 points per game. Love is riding a high after saving Arizona against Iowa State with a half-court buzzer-better heave to send the game into overtime where he help secure the upset win with 22 points.

As the two programs cross paths on two different trajectories, the importance of the game is paramount for both of the in-state rivals to try to correct their seasons.