ASU men's basketball and the UA Wildcats will be at each other's throats yet again on Thursday night. Ahead the two's first matchup this season, here is a look back at the history and some of their best games.
The Wildcats holds an 81-61 all-time edge over the Sun Devils. ASU has lost six-straight games against UA and eight of its last 10.
While the Sun Devils haven't found recent success against the Wildcats, some of Sparky and company's best wins have come against the team down South.
Dec. 30, 2017: No. 3 ASU 78 — No. 17 UA 84
In one of the most recent match ups, ASU had just gone undefeated in its non-conference schedule, reaching the highest ranking in program history. However, the Sun Devils faced eventual top-pick Deandre Ayton and other future NBA players such as Rawle Alkins and Allonzo Trier.
Tra Holder’s 31 points weren’t enough for ASU to overcome 23 points each from Ayton and Trier. Ayton also grabbed 19 boards in the Wildcats pre-New Years' eve win.
Feb. 7, 2015: ASU 81 — No. 6 UA 78
ASU’s last win over the Wildcats came in a huge upset. UA came into the game 20-2, and ASU came in middling at 11-11. However, a big night from Bo Barnes, scoring 18 points off the bench, lifted ASU to a three-point victory.
The Sun Devils survived big games from T.J. McConnell, who scored 25 points, and other players such as Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who scored 16 and 14 points, respectively. Additionally, Tra Holder and Savon Goodman scored 15 points each for the Sun Devils.
Feb. 14, 2014: ASU 69 — No. 2 UA 66
In one of the biggest upsets in school history, the Sun Devils took the Wildcats to two overtimes before finally sending them back to their litter box empty-handed.
The late Jermaine Marshall poured in 29 points, including eight in the second overtime. Marshall also scored the go-ahead basket late in the second overtime.
Related: Former ASU guard Jermaine Marshall dies at age 28
Jordan Bachynski scored 13 points and blocked eight shots for the Sun Devil.
Feb. 17, 2016: ASU 61 — No. 12 UA 99
This rivalry is riddled with more than a handful of less than pretty games for ASU. Back in February 2016, the Sun Devils shot just 32 percent from the field, allowing the Wildcats to shoot 57 percent.
Trier led the Wildcats with 20 points. Additionally, four other players scored over double digits for the Wildcats, with two of those players coming off of the bench.
Obinna Oleka and Andre Spight led the Sun Devils with 15 points apiece.
Currently, both teams are 5-3 in conference play coming into Thursday’s matchup, making this a crucial game for both squads. UA sophomore guard Brandon Randolph and redshirt junior forward Chase Jeter will face off against ASU freshman guard Luguentz Dort and sophomore guard Remy Martin.
Tip-off will be at 7:00 p.m. MST in Tempe.
Reach the reporter at jhorst2@asu.edu and follow @HorseySeven on Twitter.
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Jeffrey Horst is the digital editor-in-chief of The State Press. He previously served as the publication's sports editor and worked at Cronkite News and ArizonaSports.com.
