Preview: Arizona Hosts Rival Arizona State in Big 12 Showdown

TUCSON, Ariz. (Interstat) — The nation’s last remaining unbeaten team puts its perfect record on the line Wednesday when the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats host in-state rival Arizona State at McKale Center.

Arizona (16-0, 3-0 Big 12) has dominated its schedule, winning every game by double digits since a 68-45 victory over San Diego State on Dec. 20. The Wildcats are coming off an 86-73 road win at TCU on Saturday, led by 20 points and seven rebounds from sophomore forward Koa Peat. Peat has been a model of consistency, scoring in double figures in every game this season.

The Sun Devils (10-6, 1-2) aim to play spoiler after snapping a four-game skid with an 87-84 home win over Kansas State. Their resurgence was fueled by a career-high 21 points and five blocks from sophomore center Massamba Diop. Over his last five games, Diop is averaging 18.8 points and has become a focal point of the offense.

This marks the first meeting between the schools as Big 12 conference opponents. The rivalry now carries significant league implications, with Arizona seeking to protect its pristine record and Arizona State looking to build momentum.

The Wildcats’ balanced attack, which features four players averaging double-figure scoring, will test an Arizona State defense that has allowed an average of 88.5 points in its six losses. Containing Peat and backcourt catalyst Anthony Dell’Orso will be a primary challenge for the Sun Devils.

Conversely, Arizona’s top-10 defense must contend with Diop’s interior scoring and the perimeter shooting of Anthony Johnson and Maurice Odum, who combined for 39 points in the win over Kansas State.

Arizona has not lost at home since February 2023. Arizona State’s last victory in Tucson came in 2020.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST. The game will be televised on ESPN2.