PHOENIX – Today’s matchup between Arizona State men’s basketball and Arizona will mark the 249th meeting between the two inter-state rivals. Despite the series record heavily favoring the Wildcats, 161-87, there have been countless memorable moments these two programs have shared on the hardwood together.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!2024: Arizona beats ASU by largest margin of victory in rivalry’s history
Feb 17, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (2) makes a three point basket against Arizona State Sun Devils then celebrates with a forks down with the Arizona Wildcats bench during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
In the almost 100-year history of this rivalry, there had never been a more dominant performance than last year’s Arizona team over ASU. The 105-60 win is the largest margin of victory ever by either university. Senior guard Caleb Love, in his first matchup against ASU, dropped 15 points and hit a forks down on the way to victory, getting comfortable with his hate for the Sun Devils.
2023: ASU Desmond Cambridge Jr. swishes half-court buzzer beater to upset No. 7 Arizona
THROWBACK: Arizona State’s Desmond Cambridge Jr. hits a half-court buzzer beater to upset No. 7 Arizona ????pic.twitter.com/Sxeb4ubdau
— PHNX Sun Devils (@PHNX_SunDevils) January 29, 2025
ASU senior guard Desmond Cambridge Jr. keeps the Sun Devils’ hope of the NCAA tournament alive with a 45+ feet heave to upset No. 7 Arizona in Tucson. The miracle shot broke an over 3-year losing streak to the Wildcats, which is similar to another high-scoring ASU guard 15 years prior.
2008: ASU Snaps 10-game losing streak to Arizona thanks to James Harden
Jan 9, 2008; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard James Harden (13) shoots over Arizona Wildcats guard Jawann McClellan (5) in the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US Presswire
From the end of the 2001-2002 season to the end of the 2006-2007 season, the Sun Devils had lost to the Wildcats 10 straight times. That was until January, 9th 2008, when ASU freshman guard James Harden went off for 26 points on 9-17 shooting from the field to break the streak in overtime. Harden remains undefeated (5-0) versus Arizona.
2002: Luke Walton drops 25 points to Eliminate ASU from Pac-10 Tournament
DIGITAL — 33518 — Arizona forward Luke Walton saves a ball from going out of bounds against Michigan St. in their semifinal game in the NCAA Final Four tournament in Minneapolis. MICHAEL CHOW/THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC 3/31/0133518 Arizona Michigan St Ua Luke Walton
In the first Pac-10 tournament since 1990, Arizona and ASU faced off in the first round with hopes of becoming conference champions and ending their bitter rivals’ season. Junior forward Luke Walton got the best of the Sun Devils, dropping 25 points and eight rebounds to cruise the Wildcats into winning the Pac-10 tournament and set the tone for Arizona’s dominance over ASU on the hardwood this millennium.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
