Arizona State Sun Devils vs Arizona Wildcats Picks and Predictions February 1st 2025

Arizona State Seeking First Home Win vs. Arizona Since 2020

The Arizona State Sun Devils (12-8, 3-6 Big 12) have a golden opportunity to end their home losing streak against rival Arizona (14-6, 8-1 Big 12) when they meet in Tempe on Saturday afternoon.

ASU’s last home win over the Wildcats came in January 2020. Since then, the Sun Devils have struggled mightily against their in-state rivals, with head coach Bobby Hurley holding a 4-15 overall record against Arizona (2-7 at home).

Despite Arizona’s dominance in recent matchups, Hurley believes that his team’s battle-tested schedule will help them be mentally prepared for the Wildcats.

“We played a lot of hard games on the road already in the Big 12 and nonconference neutral sites,” Hurley said. “These guys are learning to fight together.”

The Sun Devils have played 12 games away from Tempe compared to just eight home games this season. Their 7-5 record in road/neutral-site games has shown resilience, which could give them an edge against an Arizona squad that is 4-5 in away and neutral-site games this season.

Arizona State Short-Handed but Gritty

Arizona State gutted out a 70-68 win at Colorado on Tuesday, despite having just six available rotation players for most of the game.

• Jayden Quaintance (ankle) stayed home for the trip.
• BJ Freeman (deep thigh bruise) left after playing only four minutes.

With their availability for Saturday uncertain, Adam Miller (18 points) and Alston Mason (17 points, 39 minutes played) carried the Sun Devils in Boulder.

If Quaintance and Freeman remain sidelined, ASU’s depth could be a major issue against an Arizona team that is coming off its biggest win of the season.

Arizona Riding Momentum from Thrilling OT Win Over Iowa State

The Arizona Wildcats enter the rivalry matchup on a high after an electrifying 86-75 overtime win over No. 3 Iowa State on Monday.

Caleb Love’s heroics saved Arizona, as he:

• Hit a 55-foot buzzer-beater at the end of regulation to force overtime.
• Scored back-to-back three-pointers in OT.
• Finished with 23 points despite going 1-for-10 from deep before his miracle shot.

“Caleb did a great job,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. “I love that kid. I’m here with it. I’m here for him. That’s my job.”

The Wildcats also got a clutch performance from freshman Carter Bryant, who sealed the game with a three-pointer in OT.

Tommy Lloyd’s Dominance Over Arizona State

Since taking over at Arizona, Lloyd has dominated this rivalry, going 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Tempe.

With Arizona leading the Big 12 standings at 8-1, the Wildcats are playing for conference positioning and cannot afford a letdown against their in-state foe.

Key Matchups to Watch

Caleb Love vs. ASU’s Backcourt Defense

• Love (18.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG) is the catalyst for Arizona’s offense.
• ASU’s Adam Miller (12.6 PPG) and Frankie Collins (10.2 PPG, 5.3 APG) must contain Love and force him into difficult shots.
• If Love gets hot early, Arizona could take control quickly.

ASU’s Depth vs. Arizona’s High-Paced Attack

• If Quaintance and Freeman remain out, Arizona State will need another massive effort from its starters.
• Arizona ranks top-10 nationally in scoring (83.7 PPG) and could wear down ASU’s short-handed rotation.

Arizona’s Road Struggles vs. ASU’s Home Court Advantage

• Arizona is just 4-5 away from home this season.
• Can ASU use the home crowd to its advantage and snap its losing streak in Tempe?

Prediction: Will ASU Finally Break the Streak?

Arizona State has shown grit in tough matchups, but their lack of depth could be a problem against a deep, talented Arizona squad.

Arizona has struggled away from home, but their size, depth, and offensive firepower give them the edge in this one.

Final Score Prediction:

Arizona 78, Arizona State 71

The Sun Devils keep it close, but Arizona’s late-game execution proves to be the difference as they extend ASU’s home losing streak in this rivalry.

Learn How Recent Performances and Key Statistics Are Influencing the College Basketball Championship Odds

Final Thoughts

• Can ASU’s short-handed squad keep up with Arizona’s fast-paced offense?
• Will Caleb Love build off his Iowa State performance, or will ASU’s defense slow him down?
• Can Arizona State finally break its home losing streak in this rivalry?

One thing is for sure: this game will have all the intensity of a classic in-state showdown.