In an exciting Big 12 basketball showdown, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are set to face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The highly anticipated game is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. EST, with fans eager to see the Cowboys aiming to bounce back after a narrow defeat.
The Cowboys, hosting on their home turf, come in with an 8-2 home record. Despite this favorable statistic, Oklahoma State has been challenged defensively, allowing an average of 74.6 points per game, which has slightly overshadowed their scoring efforts. They have been outscored by an average of 2.3 points per game, indicating a need for improvement on both ends of the court.
On the other side, the Arizona State Sun Devils enter the game with a record of 12-10, having faced similar struggles within the Big 12 conference, posting a 3-8 record. The Sun Devils have shown resilience in close matches, managing a 5-4 record in games decided by 10 points or fewer, showcasing their ability to maintain intensity in tight situations.
Oklahoma State's offensive hopes often rest on the shoulders of key players such as Marchelus Avery and Bryce Thompson. Avery averages 12.6 points per game and contributes significantly to the overall team performance. Thompson, meanwhile, has shown consistency, averaging 14.3 points over the last 10 games, marking him as a player to watch in this upcoming clash.
Meanwhile, the Sun Devils lean heavily on the performances of BJ Freeman and the recently impressive Alston Mason. Freeman averages 12.9 points for Arizona State, while Mason has been a standout, delivering a solid 12.1 points and 4.1 assists in the last 10 clashes, including his notable 20-point outing against Kansas State that nearly edged out a win.
When comparing recent performances under analytical lenses, both teams have struggled identically in their last 10 games, securing only three wins apiece. The Cowboys have averaged 67.6 points per game, complemented by strong rebounding and assisting efforts, albeit with defensive lapses leading to 76.1 points allowed per game. In a parallel scenario, the Sun Devils have averaged close to 68.9 points, showing marginal superiority in rebounds and blocks, but also grappling with defensive deficiencies.
As both teams prepare for this face-off, their strategies will likely focus on tightening their defenses while also exploiting the offensive vulnerabilities of their opponents. The encounter marks their first meeting this season within conference play, adding an additional layer of competitiveness and anticipation.
For Oklahoma State, a focused effort on leveraging home court advantage could potentially tip the scale in their favor. Meanwhile, Arizona State will strive to break their pattern of narrow losses by capitalizing on their late-game resilience. With both teams seeking to improve their standings, the game promises an exciting chapter in the Big 12 rivalry.