The Arizona State Sun Devils were overpowered in a 105-60 loss to the No. 5 ranked Arizona Wildcats during Saturday night’s Territorial Cup matchup.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Efficient start
The Sun Devils (13-13, 7-8 in Pac-12) had a strong start to the game, leading 20-15 at one point and converting on nine of their first 13 shots from the field.
Stop 🛑
Pop 💦 @AceWolf44 converts from deep 💰📺 @FS1
📱 https://t.co/cjJg4JYXrA pic.twitter.com/dn9viM86sX— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) February 18, 2024
Despite Arizona State’s start, the Wildcats repeatedly responded and found a way to stay in it early on.
ASU’s Frankie Collins, Shawn Phillips, and Alonzo Gaffney all got into foul trouble in the first half, limiting their minutes and further opening the door for an Arizona run.
Phillips and Gaffney both fouled out in the second half.
Territorial Cup history made
The Wildcats (20-5, 11-3 in Pac-12) put together a 23-7 run and entered the half up 49-31.
This level of play continued into the second half and Arizona pulled away. The Wildcats controlled the game through paint play and overwhelmed the Sun Devils with their size.
Arizona 7-footer Oumar Ballo finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds in just 22 minutes played. He was one of six Wildcat players who scored double-digit points. ASU simply did not have anyone to keep up with Ballo.
TRUST. THE. BALLO
5th straight game w/ double-double.
11th double-double of the season.
25th career double-double.First Arizona player since Deandre Ayton in 2018 to have 5 straight double-doubles.#BearDown pic.twitter.com/hlraM5op0I
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) February 18, 2024
Adam Miller led the Sun Devils in scoring with 16, followed by 14 from Jose Perez and 12 from Jamiya Neal.
All the team can do is learn from this crushing loss and make adjustments ahead of hosting the Wildcats in just 10 days.
Key Stats
Sun Devils: Field goals: 21-58 (36.2%), 3 Pointers: 6-24 (25.0%), Free throws: 12/22 (54.5%)
Wildcats: Field goals: 36-63 (57.1%), 3 Pointers: 8-20 (40.0%), Free throws: 25-32 (78.1%)
Sun Devils: 28 total rebounds, 12 turnovers, 9 fast break points
Wildcats: 46 total rebounds, 5 turnovers, 26 fast break points
Back at home
Arizona State now goes back home for three straight games.
They will face the Washington Huskies (14-12, 6-9 in Pac-12) on Thursday, Feb. 22 @ 7 p.m. MST. The Huskies defeated the Sun Devils in Washington during their first matchup of the season last month.
Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley has made starting lineup adjustments in four straight games.
Bobby Hurley continues to make changes, who comes off the bench next?
With Gaffney coming off the bench on Saturday, Neal coming off the bench against Oregon State, and Miller making that sacrifice against Utah, Hurley will now need to decide on whether the lineup remains for Thursday’s game.
 *Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering the Arizona State Sun Devils, Phoenix High School Sports, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
