The Arizona State Sun Devils faced off against the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats on Wednesday night in Tucson, ultimately falling short with a score of 89-82. This matchup was highly anticipated as the Sun Devils entered the game fresh off a narrow victory over Kansas State, while the Wildcats were riding high after a dominant win against TCU that kept their undefeated season intact.
In a notable moment, junior guard Bryce Ford made his return to the lineup after missing two games due to a lingering injury from a December 9 win over Northern Arizona. Ford quickly made his presence known, hitting a crucial three-pointer in the final minute of the first half, which gave the Sun Devils a brief 39-36 lead. He also impressed the crowd with an emphatic dunk during the second half, showcasing his athleticism and skill.
The game began evenly, as Arizona State established a rhythm through careful ball movement, aggressive defense, and timely shooting in the opening ten minutes. However, tensions escalated with 9:44 remaining in the first half when Arizona State forward Allen Mukeba fouled Arizona freshman Koa Peat while he was driving to the basket. This incident sparked a heated exchange between players, resulting in technical fouls for both Mukeba and Arizona”s Brayden Burries. Peat was making his debut against Arizona State after a long recruitment process that saw him commit to the Wildcats last March, adding an intriguing subplot to the game.
Another standout was Diop, who has been making waves in the college basketball scene. He continued his impressive run, extending his double-digit scoring streak to eight games with 16 points. His strong performance against a formidable Arizona team highlighted his exceptional abilities, including fluid movement, solid rim protection, and shooting finesse. His impressive skills have begun to attract attention from NBA scouts, further elevating his profile.
For more insights into the Arizona State men”s basketball team and their potential for the upcoming 2025-26 season, as well as the promising future of their football program despite this loss, be sure to check out our detailed analyses. Connect with us for continuous coverage by following our Facebook page and on X, including updates from @khicks_21.
