Wondering what sporting events a casual ASU fan should pay attention to this semester? Here's the top 10:
10. Hockey: Feb. 28 against the 18-and-under U.S. National Team at Gila River Arena
ASU fans have the chance to see the future of the nation’s hockey program in this game at the Coyotes’ home rink. ASU will close its season this weekend in a series that begins at Oceanside against the 18-and-under team and ends at Gila River Arena on the 28.
9. Softball: April 22 series against No. 7 Oregon
ASU softball is going to have to find a replacement for catcher Amber Freeman, who graduated last year and was selected No. 11 overall in the NPF draft. This series is the perfect time, against a top-10 opponent in Oregon. It’s also an opportunity to see sophomore Breanna Macha, ASU’s No. 1 pitcher.
8. Baseball: March 24 series against Utah
Last season, the first game of the series went to 12 innings (ASU won 5-3), the second was a 6-5 loss and the third went ten innings (6-5 win for ASU). Utah isn’t expected to be a very good team this year, but if last season is any indication, the series could be competitive.
7. Baseball: May 20 series at No. 2 UCLA
UCLA comes into the season ranked No. 2 overall in RPI. This will be the second-to-last series of the season, giving ASU a look at a team expected to be very strong before the season closes.
Last season’s series was all over the place. ASU got destroyed 9-0 in the first game, played 17 innings in game two en route to an 11-5 collapse and then won the third 2-1.
6. Men's basketball: Jan. 16 Washington at ASU
Washington is currently first-place in the Pac-12, it leads the Pac-12 in points-per-game and senior guard Andrew Andrews leads the Pac-12 with 21.6 points per game — four points more than the next-highest. Watch ASU try to keep up with the Huskies’ attack.
5. Hockey: Feb. 19 at Arizona
ASU hockey has struggled in its first season as a Division I school, but historically has played well against Arizona. Freshman goalie Ryland Pashovitz is becoming a strong player, and he's worth watching now to see how he improves over the next three seasons. Also, any game against Arizona is one that an ASU fan will want to see.
4. Women’s basketball: Feb. 14 at No. 11 Stanford
Whether the casual fan knows it or not, the ASU women's basketball team is No. 10 in the nation and in first-place in a competitive Pac-12. ASU swept Stanford in the regular season for the first time ever last year, and held the then-No. 9 Cardinal to a record-low 31 points earlier this season. Stanford defeated ASU in the Pac-12 semifinals, setting the stage for another intense matchup.
3. Baseball: April 12 against Arizona
This is only a single game against Arizona, so it’s one of the two opportunities of the year to see the two rivals play. ASU will be looking to pick up a Territorial Cup point, making it one of the more exciting April games to attend.
2. Women’s basketball: Feb. 1 at No. 12 Oregon State
Two of ASU’s six losses last season came against the eventual Pac-12 champions. The Sun Devils only get one look at Oregon State this season, and will try to prove that they’re the best team in the conference going into the Pac-12 tournament and March Madness.
1. Men’s basketball: Feb. 17 at No. 18 Arizona
Any major ASU vs Arizona sporting event will make this list, and ASU will try to get redemption against the Wildcats. On January 3, ASU’s comeback attempt fell short as Bobby Hurley created another storyline as he was ejected. In this matchup, will he be able to control his temper in a hostile environment?
Related Links:
Sun Devils drop consolation game of Desert Hockey Classic
Bobby Hurley's intensity good for ASU men's basketball
Reach the sports editor at logan.newman@asu.edu or follow @Logan_Newsman on Twitter.
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