PHOENIX –It was a tightly contested matchup between Arizona State men’s basketball and Arizona toward the final minutes. Yet, just like before, Arizona snuck out with the victory. That’s nothing new. What is newsworthy is what happened in the final minute between senior guard BJ Freeman and fifth-year guard Caleb Love.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The duo were jawing off with one another before Freeman headbutted Love and caused a lengthy stoppage that saw both ejected. The game was filled with those hectic moments, all encapsulated in the heated Love-Freeman interaction. Head coach Bobby Hurley was so distraught by the game and the scuffle that he told his team not to shake any Arizona players’ hands as they walked off after the game.
Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd initially tried to shake the hands of some of the Sun Devils’ players, but Hurley would grab and drag them into the locker room. Hurley kept that fiery attitude postgame, releasing a strong proclamation against Love.
More Bobby Hurley, with a parting shot for Caleb Love:
"I get a vote for Big 12 All-Conference, and I can tell you who's not getting my vote"pic.twitter.com/AFC6R19tHr
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) February 1, 2025
The tenth-year Sun Devils’ head coach stated point blank that Love, who dropped 27 on Saturday, was not getting his vote for All-Conference, an honor he earned last year and this preseason.
Feb 1, 2025; Tempe, Ariz., U.S.; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd reacts after Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley instructs his team to go to the locker room before the end of a Big 12 men’s basketball game at Desert Financial Arena.
Emotions might’ve gotten the best of Hurley. A theme that has followed him throughout his entire career, but not voting for Love or not shaking hands with Arizona doesn’t change the fact that the program has now lost nine of their last 10 matchups against the Wildcats, including four straight. ASU is freefalling down the Big 12 standings, slotted at 13th, losing six out of their previous eight games. Regardless of their shortcomings, any avenue that Hurley and the Sun Devils can get back against the Wildcats, they will do it, no questions asked.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
