The Arizona State Sun Devils are set to face the USC Trojans for the second time this season in a Thursday night road matchup. The Sun Devils (14-15. 8-12) came out on top 82-67 during the two team’s first matchup.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Arizona State’s inconsistencies
Arizona State is eighth in the Pac-12 as of right now, but could rise into the top five with two conference wins to end the regular season.
The story of this season has been their inability to stay consistent for an extended stretch. Just over a month ago, the Sun Devils were one game out of the top spot in the conference. However, the team went on to lose six of a seven-game stretch.
After upsetting top-25 ranked Washington State, ASU suffered yet another crushing Territorial Cup loss.
Arizona State struggle with efficiency, suffer a Wildcats sweep
The Sun Devils have continued to struggle with efficiency. Through 29 games played this season, they are shooting just 42% from the field and 31% from behind the arc as a team.
The team will need to shoot at a consistent rate and continue taking care of the basketball against USC.
Games’ importance
The Trojans (12-17, 6-12) are currently second-to-last in the conference. However, they have gotten healthier and looked much improved over the last three weeks.
Each of the two teams more than likely has no real chance to enter the NCAA Tournament barring an unexpected run in the Pac-12 tourney.
However, a win here could fuel some extra momentum heading into the conference tournament. The teams faced off against each other in last year’s Pac-12 Tournament and ASU was able to pull through despite being ranked lower.
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Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley and the team know how crucial these final two games are.
“You don’t want to be going in (The Pac-12 Tournament) not playing confidence basketball,” Hurley said. “We’ve been able to win some games on the road in tough places so this is gonna be no different.”
The tip-off is set for tonight @ 9 p.m. MST. The conference matchup will be available to watch on Fox Sports 1.
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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_
