Arizona State Sun Devils vs Colorado Buffaloes Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Colorado, Arizona St. still looking to make mark in Big 12

The transition to the Big 12 has proven challenging for both Colorado and Arizona State basketball teams, as they seek to assert themselves in one of the toughest basketball conferences in the country. Heading into Saturday’s critical matchup in Tempe, Arizona, both teams are looking to avoid starting their conference campaigns with consecutive losses.

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Rough Starts in the Big 12

Colorado (9-3, 0-1 Big 12) began its return to the Big 12 after 13 years in the Pac-12 with a hard-fought 79-69 home loss to No. 3 Iowa State. Despite playing well for much of the game, the Buffaloes fell short against a seasoned Cyclones squad.

Similarly, Arizona State (9-3, 0-1 Big 12) struggled in its conference opener, suffering a 76-56 defeat on the road against BYU. The Sun Devils failed to find offensive rhythm, with B.J. Freeman being the only player to score in double figures with 11 points.

Both teams are now at a crossroads, hoping to secure their first Big 12 victory in Saturday’s matchup.

The Big 12 Challenge

Widely regarded as the toughest basketball conference in the nation, the Big 12 features five teams ranked in the Top 25. Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley acknowledged the formidable competition, saying, “The Big 12 is the best basketball league in the country.”

For Colorado, returning to the Big 12 after over a decade poses its own challenges. Coach Tad Boyle noted, “They’ve got some really talented guys. They can shoot the ball,” as he prepared to face Arizona State’s young and dynamic roster.

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Key Players to Watch

Arizona State

The Sun Devils rely on a balanced scoring attack, led by:

• Joson Sanon (13.5 points per game), a talented freshman showing great promise.
• Basheer Jihad (13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds), a reliable inside presence.
• B.J. Freeman and Alston Mason (11.3 points each), providing critical scoring depth.

Freshman Jayden Quaintance (9.3 points, 8.1 rebounds) is a standout, showcasing his ability to dominate on the boards and contribute offensively.

Colorado

The Buffaloes are anchored by senior Julian Hammond III, averaging 13.8 points per game.
Supporting him are:

• Elijah Malone (11.5 points), an effective scorer and inside threat.
• Andrej Jakimovski (11.2 points), adding shooting and versatility.

Game Dynamics and Strategies

Arizona State’s Approach

To secure a win, the Sun Devils must improve their offensive efficiency. Against BYU, their struggles stemmed from a lack of secondary scoring and poor shooting. Freshmen like Sanon and Quaintance will need to step up in the spotlight, while Freeman and Jihad must assert themselves early to set the tone.

Playing at home, Arizona State can leverage the support of its fans to regain confidence and dictate the pace of play.

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Colorado’s Plan

Colorado will play its first true road game of the season after enjoying the comfort of nine home games and three neutral-site contests. The Buffaloes will look to senior leadership from Hammond III and consistent contributions from their supporting cast.

Defensively, Colorado must contain Arizona State’s perimeter threats while staying aggressive in transition to exploit scoring opportunities.

What’s at Stake

For both teams, this game represents more than just a chance to secure a conference win—it’s a pivotal moment to build momentum in a grueling Big 12 season. A victory on Saturday could bolster confidence and set the tone for future success. Conversely, a loss would deepen the early-season hole and heighten the urgency to bounce back.

Looking Ahead

Saturday’s matchup offers a compelling storyline as two programs with rich histories adapt to their new conference environment. For Arizona State, winning at home is crucial to establishing a foothold in the Big 12. For Colorado, a road win would mark a significant milestone in their transition back to the conference.

Both teams face a long and challenging season ahead, but this early battle will undoubtedly shape their paths in the Big 12.

Final Thought: The Big 12 is a proving ground, and Colorado and Arizona State have an opportunity to show they belong. As they face off on Saturday, fans can expect a hard-fought contest that underscores the intensity of this elite basketball league.