PHOENIX – Sunday’s matchup between Arizona State men’s basketball and Oklahoma State is a game where both programs need a win. In each team’s last 11 games, they are both 3-8.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Despite similar records, their struggles are on opposite ends of the court. The Suns Devils’ offensive woes have plagued them through this latest stretch, while the Cowboys have the second-worst scoring defense in the Big 12.
Each program sits in the lower echelon of the conference and is looking for a bounce-back win. If head coach Bobby Hurley wants his squad to leave Stillwater with the win, he’ll need to prepare for these three Oklahoma State players.
1. Fifth-year Forward Marchelus Avery
Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Marchelus Avery (0) puts up a shot as Oklahoma Sooners guard Duke Miles (15) defends during a men’s college Bedlam basketball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Oklahoma won 80-65. Syndication: The Oklahoman
Avery leads the Cowboys in scoring at 12.6 points while starting zero games. As the sixth man, the fifth-year forward has eclipsed 15+ points 10 times in 22 games, with three 20-point games. Avery is a three-level scorer, shooting 37% from 3 on 4.9 attempts a game while getting to the rack and drawing contact to get to the charity stripe.
At 6’8, Avery’s ball control and handle is impressive. His wide frame makes it difficult for defenders to stay in front of him when he is going downhill and will cause ASU problems if it can’t contain Avery.
2. Junior Guard Arturo Dean
Feb 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Arturo Dean (2) attempts to control the ball away from Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) during the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dean is a defensive specialist for the Cowboys. At FIU last year, he led the nation in steals at 104, and in 2023 was the CUSA Defensive Player of the Year. In his first season at Stillwater, Dean leads the team in steals and averages two a game, and in a game against No. 5 Houston, he recorded a season-high five steals.
The junior guard stands only at 5’11, and the Sun Devils possess bigger guards that Dean could have trouble handling. However, ASU is bottom three in the Big 12 in turnovers a game and has struggled mightily to take care of the ball, an aspect that Dean will take advantage of on Sunday.
3. Fifth-year Forward Abou Ousmane
Jan 21, 2025; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Abou Ousmane (33) reacts after a play during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
In the past five games, Ousmane has averaged two offensive rebounds a game, and at 245 pounds, he knows how to throw his weight around. Ousmane’s physical playstyle allows him to get to his spots in the paint for post opportunities or to get on the offensive glass.
The Xavier transfer is averaging a career-high in points and steals. ASU has two talented big men to throw Ousmane’s way in freshman center Jayden Quaintance and redshirt junior center Shawn Phillips Jr. to try and win the rebounding battle.
Rebounding has been a huge problem for the Sun Devils in recent weeks, with giving up offensive rebounds late in the game. When the team loses the rebound battle, it’s 5-9, while it’s 7-1 when it wins.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
