No. 1 Arizona hosts their in-state rival, Arizona State, on Wednesday night at the McKale Center with tip-off at 9:30 p.m. CT on FOX Sports. Arizona comes in 16-0 (3-0 Big 12), while Arizona State is 10-6 (1-2 Big 12). Last time out, Arizona comfortably beat TCU 86-73, and Arizona State earned its first league win over Kansas State 87-84. Arizona enters the game as a 21.5-point favorite with an over/under point total moving up to 168.5.
Top Storyline: The Lone Survivor
In case you may have missed it, last night, the only other undefeated Big 12 team, Iowa State, dropped its first game of the season with a loss at Kansas. Arizona now sits at 16-0, the only team left without a loss in the Big 12. Now that doesn’t mean they’re the only 3-0 team in the league, but in every game this season, they’ve emerged victorious. That certainly adds some pressure, even with a line as big as 21.5. Pair that with the fact that this is a rivalry game, and anything can happen. If ‘Zona can take care of business like they’re supposed to, they’ll not only remain the nation’s best team, but one of the few unbeaten teams in Power Four basketball.
Match Up to Watch: Big on Big Action
While Arizona State certainly has a less talented roster than the Wildcats, they do have some rising stars. One particular example is Massamba Diop, a 7-foot-1 center from Senegal. He is currently averaging 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 65.7% shooting from the field. He’s young and still green, but as he gets more experience, his game continues to flourish. He’s recorded 20 points in each of his last three games and will be a player to watch on the low block. His matchup won’t be easy, however, as Arizona has some incredible big men of their own. All three of Koa Peat, Montiejus Krivas, and Tobe Awaka are tough matchups for anyone in the league, and the trio is combining for 35.8 points and 24.3 rebounds per game.
Prediction: Arizona 93, Arizona State 67
Look, Arizona has the No. 1 next to their name for a reason, and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. Arizona State has a banged-up roster (only had seven active players vs. Kansas State), and the biggest thing they have going for them outside of Massamba Diop’s development is that it’s a rivalry game in the Big 12. I expect this to be close early, before Arizona pulls away and runs ASU out of the gym.
