On Saturday, basketball fans are in for a treat as the Arizona Wildcats, boasting a solid record of 14-6, go head-to-head with the Arizona State Sun Devils, who currently stand at 12-8. This much-anticipated matchup will unfold in Tempe, Arizona, at 1 p.m. EST, promising an electrifying atmosphere.
The Wildcats, coming off an intense 86-75 overtime victory against the Iowa State Cyclones, are looking confident as they enter this contest. A key player, Caleb Love, demonstrated his prowess by scoring 22 points in their recent triumph, showcasing the kind of resilience expected in this state rivalry.
Both teams have shown unique strengths this season. The Arizona State Sun Devils are relatively formidable at home with a 5-3 record in their domain, demonstrating a knack for holding their ground on familiar courts. However, their performance has been fluctuating, particularly when games edge close, as evidenced by their 5-4 record in matches decided by 10 or more points.
On the other end, the Wildcats have established their dominance in the Big 12, maintaining a healthy 8-2 standing. They lead with an impressive average of 25.8 defensive rebounds per game, spearheaded by Tobe Awaka’s consistent performance, tallying an average of 4.8 rebounds.
The Sun Devils enter with slightly superior numbers in long-range shooting, averaging 8.6 made three-pointers per game, barely ahead of the Wildcats’ 8.3 allowance. However, Arizona doesn't lag far behind, making 7.1 three-pointers on average, a mere 0.2 shy of what Arizona State permits.
The clash between these in-state rivals is not just about numbers. Adam Miller has been a standout for the Sun Devils, with an impressive 45.2% success rate from beyond the arc, contributing significantly with 2.1 made three-pointers per game. Additionally, BJ Freeman has been on top form, posting an average of 13.7 points over the past 10 games.
The Wildcats, however, are not short of talent. Caleb Love leads their charge with an average of 15.7 points per game, backed by a solid contribution of 4.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists. KJ Lewis complements this with his 48.7% shooting accuracy, contributing an average of 10.8 points and 3.7 rebounds in the recent 10-game stretch.
Reviewing the past 10 games, the Sun Devils show a less consistent form, recording 4 wins against 6 losses, with averages of 68.1 points, 31.0 rebounds, and 12.4 assists per game. Their shooting accuracy stands at 43.0%, whereas their opponents have averaged a slightly higher 70.8 points.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats have been on a hot streak, with 9 wins and only 1 loss. They have dominated with averages of 81.0 points, 34.4 rebounds, 17.9 assists, and an impressive 48.4% field goal shooting. Their defense has held opponents to an average of 68.1 points, a testament to their robust gameplay.
This game not only marks the first conference play face-off between the Sun Devils and Wildcats this season but could also set the tone for the remainder of their campaigns. Who will seize the win in this captivating Arizona rivalry?