ASU Basketball: On the Bubble and Ready to Break a Five-Year Curse

Arizona State University’s men’s basketball team is on the NCAA tournament bubble, needing a signature win against rival Arizona. The Sun Devils face a five-year losing streak to the Wildcats, but a strong performance could vault them into the tournament and boost their NET Rankings.

Arizona State University’s men’s basketball team is in a critical phase of their season, with significant implications for their NCAA tournament chances. Currently listed among the “first four out” in Joe Lunardi’s field of 68, the Sun Devils are searching for a Quad 1 win to improve their NET Rankings. A home matchup against rival Arizona, ranked No. 13 in the NCAA NET Rankings, presents a prime opportunity for a signature victory.
The Sun Devils have struggled this season, particularly in the Big 12 conference, where they are 2-6. However, they have shown flashes of brilliance, including a gritty 70-68 road victory over Colorado. The team is coming off injuries to leading scorer BJ Freeman and freshman center Jayden Quaintance, both of whom are crucial to their success. Freeman averages 13 points per game, while Quaintance is fourth nationally with 3.0 blocks per game.
Arizona, on the other hand, has been on a rollercoaster ride, starting 4-5 but rallying to win 10 of their next 11 games, including four against ranked teams. The Wildcats are led by fifth-year guard Caleb Love, who has maintained his perfect record against ASU and is averaging 15.3 points per game.
Saturday’s matchup is not just about the game itself but also about breaking a five-year losing streak to Arizona. A win would not only boost ASU’s chances but also provide a much-needed confidence boost as they navigate the remainder of their season.

What are the current NET Rankings for Arizona State and Arizona?
Arizona State is ranked No. 58 in the NET, while Arizona is ranked No. 13.
How many Quad 1 opportunities does ASU have in the next five weeks?
ASU has six Quad 1 opportunities over the next five weeks.
Who are the key players for ASU in this matchup?
Key players include BJ Freeman and Jayden Quaintance.
What is the significance of this game for ASU?
The game is crucial for ASU to break a five-year losing streak to Arizona and improve their NET Rankings.
How has Arizona performed this season?
Arizona has had a rollercoaster season, starting 4-5 but rallying to win 10 of their next 11 games, including four against ranked teams.

The upcoming matchup between Arizona State and Arizona is pivotal for both teams. For ASU, it’s about breaking a five-year curse and securing a Quad 1 win to boost their NCAA tournament chances. For Arizona, it’s about maintaining their momentum and extending their winning streak against ASU.