Arizona Basketball: Cats set to take on No. 3 rival ASU in McKale
We are witnessing history before us this weekend as No. 3 ASU (12-0), to take on the Arizona Basketball team (10-3) in Tucson.
A scenario that hasn’t happened in over 20 years will once again take place in Tucson this weekend. The Arizona Basketball team is set to face rival ASU in McKale.
If you have been living under a rock these past few weeks, you have missed the surprising surge that is ASU Basketball. So far this season, as painful as it is to say, the Sun Devils are playing very well. They are undefeated and No. 3 in the country currently in the Top 25 AP poll.
More from Wildcats Basketball
- Arizona Basketball likely to schedule Florida Atlantic for 2023
- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s FIBA World Cup performance is reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s
- Rawle Alkins a star in the Drew League this summer
- Arizona Basketball to play in ‘Battle 4 Atlantis’ in 2024
- Reflections on the Pac-12, the Arizona Wildcats, and other memories
Head coach Sean Miller has gone so far as to calling ASU the ‘heavy favorite’ to win the Pac-12 this year!
After ASU beat then No. 15 and No. 2 ranked Kansas earlier this year, the Wildcats will find themselves in an unfamiliar position. Underdog.
Saturday’s game has been building into a much-anticipated match-up the past few weeks, especially after Arizona has seemingly gotten back on track after their disastrous start to their season in the Bahamas.
Winners of seven-straight, Arizona will have a tough test against the Sun Devils. Head coach Bobby Hurley enters his third season at ASU, after having put together a talented team, which is sure to provide for a great game. Wildcats fans will be on the bench for the Cats in this game; they can affect the game as they have in the past by laying on the razzing of ASU Head Coach Bobby Hurley. Last season it got so bad, it was a badge of honor when a fan got blocked by Hurley on Twitter.
Related Story: How to get blocked on Twitter by ASU Coach Bobby Hurley
ASU Profile
Most Likely the Line-up for the Sun Devils
G Tra Holder, 6-1, Sr., (21.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.8 apg)
G Shannon Evans, 6-1, Sr., (17.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.7 apg)
G Kodi Justice, 6-5, Sr., (13.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.8 apg)
F Mickey Mitchell, 6-7, Soph., (6.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg)
F Romello White, 6-8, Rs-Fr., (14.9, 8.6 rpg)
Top reserves: G Remy Martin (9.9 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg); F Vitaliy Shibel (3.3 ppg); F DeQuon Lake (9.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg).
Strengths:
Explosiveness- The Sun Devils are a bit on the smaller side, but they use it to their advantage. Averaging 91.8 points per game (currently ranked fourth nationally), ASU likes to push the tempo, and they have the athletes to do it.
Three-point Shooting – These Sun Devils are some shooters. They like to spread the floor, creating good looks and opportunities for guys beyond the arc. They are averaging roughly 39.9 percent from three, which is good for second in the conference (behind USC), and 34th nationally. If they get hot from outside, look out.
Weaknesses:
Size – ASU doesn’t seem to have a viable option for our two seven footers, especially Deandre Ayton. Although to be fair, not many teams will have an answer for Ayton. The Sun Devils match pretty well everywhere else, except down low.
Experience – While the run ASU has had thus far is great, remember, this is unfamiliar territory for them. Really none of these players have been in a game like this, and will they mentally be prepared to take on a hungry Arizona team in front of what is sure to be a loud and rowdy crowd?
Game Analysis:
Honestly, I feel it’s a tough one to predict. ASU is a good team, but in my biased opinion, they have not faced a team like Arizona this year. Their win over Kansas was great, no doubt, but the Jayhawks also lost to a pretty average Washington team and struggled against Nebraska.
However, I imagine ASU putting up a tough fight, and probably won’t hold anything back against the Wildcats. Hurley has put together a solid, experienced team and one that will probably give us headaches this year.
If the Wildcats can bring the focus and intensity, I see them performing just fine, and probably pulling away in the last few moments. Arizona will need to defend the three, protect the hoop from the driving guards, and control the tempo.
The spread is currently -5.0 for Arizona. My prediction is Arizona 87-81. McKale will be a difference maker, with the Wildcats sealing the game with late free throws.
Listen to head coach Sean Miller talk about his team as they prepare for ASU:
Must Read: More on Arizona Basketball
At Zona Zealots, we are excited about the anticipated match-up, and hope the Wildcats can come away victorious in this one! Bear Down, Arizona, and beat the Sun Devils!