TEMPE β ASU guard Noah Meeusen hit a 3-pointer just before the halftime to pull the Sun Devils into a 38-38 tie with Arizona in another tense game between intrastate rivals at Desert Financial Arena.
Center Motiejus Krivas led UA with 11 points but had only one rebound before halftime, and UA outrebounded ASU just 23-22. Guard Moe Odum led ASU with 12 points while making 2 of 5 3-pointers.
Arizona forward Tobe Awaka (30) puts up a shot in a crowded lane against Arizona State in the first half of their Big 12 game, Jan. 31, 2026, in Tempe.
As they did throughout much of their 89-82 win over ASU on Jan. 14 at McKale Center, the Wildcats struggled early against the Sun Devils. They trailed 14-12 after the first eight minutes, having shot just 26.7% while ASU hit 50%.
Arizona missed 7 of 8 shots during the middle of the first half, but managed three straight baskets to take a 23-18 lead with 7:28 left in the half. However, ASU had two free throws from Santiago Trouet and a driving layup from Anthony Johnson tied it at 30 with 4:15 to go.
Peat left the game briefly when he appeared to be poked in the eye but returned for the final minutes of the half.
With a win, Arizona (21-0 overall and 8-0 in the Big 12) will set a new program record for longest unbeaten start to a season. ASU entered Saturday's game at 11-10 and 2-6.
Photos: Arizona at Arizona State, Big 12 basketball
Arizona forward Tobe Awaka (30) puts up a shot in a crowded lane against Arizona State in the first half of their Big 12 game, Jan. 31, 2026, in Tempe.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (13), top, and guard Jaden Bradley (0) bat away pass attempt by Arizona State guard Maurice Odum (5) in the first half of their Big 12 game, January 31, 2026, Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona State center Massamba Diop (35) gets a finger or two on the ball to brush away Arizona forward Koa Peatβs (10) jumper in the first half of their Big 12 game, January 31, 2026, Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) collides with and Arizona State guard Bryce Ford (4) driving into the lane in the first half of their Big 12 game, January 31, 2026, Tempe, Ariz.
