No. 6 Arizona (21-6, 12-4) at ASU (14-14, 8-9) | Desert Financial Arena, Tempe | 8 p.m. Wednesday | Pac-12 Network | 1290-AM, 107.5-FM
Probable starters
ARIZONA
G Kylan Boswell (6-2 soph.)
G Caleb Love (6-4 senior)
F Pelle Larsson (6-6 senior)
F Keshad Johnson (6-7 senior)
C Oumar Ballo (7-0 senior)
ASU
G Frankie Collins (6-1 junior)
G Adam Miller (6-3 junior)
F Jamiya Neal (6-6 junior)
F Jose Perez (6-5 senior)
C Shawn Phillips (7-0 soph.)
How they match up
The last time: After ASU took early leads of 13-10 and 20-15, Arizona turned their Feb. 17 matchup at McKale Center into a blowout, holding the Sun Devils to 36.2% shooting in a 105-60 victory. Center Oumar Ballo had his fifth straight double-double while Jaden Bradley had a career-high 21 points off the bench, and lightly used forward Paulius Murauskas had 12 points in just five minutes. Guard Caleb Love added 12 points for UA, which shot 57.7% from the field, outscoring ASU 30-10 in the paint while also hitting 4 of 10 3-point attempts.
The last time at Desert Financial Arena: ASU nearly erased Arizona’s 45-28 halftime lead, going on a 19-4 run early in the second half to pull within two points on Dec. 31, 2022. However, the Wildcats went on a 10-3 run of their own to eventually win 69-60, thanks in part to Ballo’s late block of a layup by ASU’s Luther Muhammad. Azoulas Tubelis led UA with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Series history: Arizona leads ASU 160-86 in the 101-year-old series and has won seven of the past eight games. The Wildcats have also won their past three at Desert Financial Arena, last losing 66-65 during the 2019-20 season.
What’s new with the Sun Devils: ASU hosted the Washington schools after losing at McKale, creating a microcosm of its unpredictable season. They completely erased a 25-point deficit before losing to Washington in overtime on Thursday — then returned on Saturday to beat WSU after the Cougars had just upset Arizona two nights earlier.
Against Washington, ASU trailed 49-24 early in the second half when coach Bobby Hurley called a timeout and yanked all of his starters. From there, ASU eventually pulled into a tie game at 75 when Frankie Collins drove in for a layup with 6.9 seconds left before the Sun Devils eventually lost in overtime. Collins had three steals to total 78 this season and break Fat Lever’s school record of 76 set in 1982.
Then, on Saturday, ASU played one of its best games of the season, leading WSU for 36 minutes and holding the Cougars to 39.3% shooting. ASU shot 49.2% from the field and had four players in double-figures; forward Jose Perez led ASU with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists.
He said it: “I think that the game against Washington State was probably their best they’ve played this year. They played so hard, they were more solid in a way. Their defense was really, really good, taking away (Isaac) Jones, taking away (Myles) Rice, making everything tough for them.
“I have no other reason to expect anything different against us. Historically, they've been a team that plays hard, even at the end of the year. They don't relax, and I'm sure they're not happy about having lost to us.’
“(The Washington game) teaches you what kind of team they are. You can think you got the job done, but that was a crazy, crazy comeback from being down 25. They are a team that is capable of great runs. They've been down big, and they came back big.
“At home we know they're a good team. That crowd gets into it, and they have talented players, they can make plays on offense. I think their defense is kind of their key."
— UA assistant coach Riccardo Fois, who scouted the Sun Devils.
Arizona State guard Frankie Collins reaches in but can’t quite stop Arizona guard Kylan Boswell on his drive in the second half of their Pac-12 matchup on Feb. 17 at McKale Center.
Key players
ASU — Frankie Collins
One big reason the Wildcats tore apart the Sun Devils on Feb. 17 at McKale resulted from the way they made life difficult for ASU’s leader in scoring (13.8) and assists (3.3). Collins had just eight points on 2-for-10 shooting and three turnovers to his one assist. But Collins rebounded to average 17.5 points on 43.7% shooting in two games last weekend, and he's averaging 15.1 points on 44.7% shooting at Desert Financial Arena this season.
ARIZONA — Oumar Ballo
Not only is the Wildcats’ senior center on a roll lately, putting together seven straight double-doubles, but he particularly thrived in the Feb. 17 matchup against ASU, with 15 points on 5-for-5 shooting (though just 5 for 9 from the line) and 11 rebounds. He also had 12 points and 12 rebounds at ASU last season.
Sidelines
Tough love
After visibly tearing into point guard Kylan Boswell when Washington went on a 10-0 first-half run during the Wildcats’ 91-75 win over the Huskies on Saturday, UA coach Tommy Lloyd noted that a mentor once told him that those were the kind of moments when a player knows you care about him.
“I love Kylan, and that's why I'm on him because I have high standards for him. I believe in him,” Lloyd said after the game. “I want him to get better at those things and just having coached Kylan a little bit, it’s not my favorite thing to do, but I’ve got to do what I think is best for for that individual player and Kylan responds to that.”
Boswell responded with five points, three rebounds and two assists in the second half. Then, after the game, he pinged Lloyd back.
“He texted me later that night and he apologized,” Lloyd told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt on Monday night. “I just reminded him, `Hey, no apology needed. I’m on you because I love you and I believe in you. Don’t ever forget that.’ “
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson snares the defensive rebound from Arizona State center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9), left, and guard Jamiya Neal (5) during the Wildcats' 45-point win over the Sun Devils not even two weeks ago on Feb. 17 at McKale Center.
Payback opportunity
If there’s a downside for Arizona in beating ASU by 45 points, it’s that the Wildcats did so just 11 days before the return game was scheduled to be played in Tempe.
Naturally, the Feb. 17 game was a point of conversation during ASU’s media interviews Tuesday.
“You don’t forget a loss like that,” ASU wing Jamiya Neal said. “It’s humiliating. It’s embarrassing. It’s unfortunate. So obviously just off that loss alone, we have to go out there and try to do better.”
Hurley told Arizona Sports radio that turnovers and rushed decisions especially hurt the Sun Devils after they trailed just 24-23 with 9:39 to go in the first half.
“We got rushed up three or four times consecutively,” Hurley said. “We turned the ball over, we shot quickly in a possession and we went empty. You just can't afford to do that against a team like Arizona because they will make you pay in transition. … and in the paint, we have to do a better job.”
Neal said it will help that the Sun Devils will be at home, and that they are coming off an upset win over Washington State on Saturday.
“Everybody's going to be hyped and on top of how we lost last time, sparks will fire under us,” Neal said.
UA didn’t hold media interviews before Wednesday’s game, but center Oumar Ballo said after UA’s win over Washington on Saturday that the Wildcats expected the Sun Devils would be especially fired up.
“The game didn't go well for them in McKale so they're gonna try to respond, and we are aware of that,” Ballo said. “They are a great team, well coached. We're gonna come out and just play Arizona basketball.”
Numbers game
4.9: Percent of possessions by ASU opponents that end in a Collins steal when he’s on the floor, the ninth-highest steal percentage in the country. Collins is fourth in steals overall with 78.
5: Times this season ASU has come back to win after trailing at halftime.
54.2: Arizona’s 2-point shooting in Pac-12 games, the best in the conference
32.0: ASU’s 3-point shooting percentage in Pac-12 games, the worst in the conference.
— Bruce Pascoe
VIDEO: Arizona men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd speaks to Pelle Larsson's passing ability and overall playmaking after the Wildcats defeated Washington on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at McKale Center. (Courtesy Arizona Athletics)
VIDEO: Arizona men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd speaks on Saturday, Feb, 24, 2024, to his interaction with Guard Kylan Boswell during the Wildcats win over Washington that same day at McKale Center. (Courtesy Arizona Athletics)
VIDEO: Arizona men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd speaks on Saturday, Feb, 24, 2024, on the Wildcats getting back into the win column that same day against Washington, two days after the then- No. 4 Wildcats fell to then No. 21 Washington State. (Courtesy Arizona Athletics)
VIDEO: Arizona men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd speaks to star Caleb Love's impact on the Wildcats this season after Arizona defeated Washington on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at McKale Center. (Courtesy Arizona Athletics)
VIDEO: Arizona men's basketball players Oumar Ballo and Caleb Love address local media after the Wildcats' 91-75 win over Washington on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at McKale Center in Tucson. (Courtesy Arizona Athletics)
Photos: Arizona pound on on arch rival ASU 105-60, Pac-12 men's college basketball
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) gives the forks down gesture as he and the Wildcat faithful celebrate his long-range three against Arizona State in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) snares the defensive rebound from Arizona State center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9), left, and guard Jamiya Neal (5) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) gets his put-back attempt foiled by Arizona State guard Jamiya Neal (5), left, and guard Jose Perez (12) at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona State guard Jose Perez (12) reaches in to keep Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) from putting up a shot under the bucket in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona State guard Frankie Collins (1) reaches in but can’t quite stop Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) on his drive in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona State center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9) grabs a handful of Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) on his short range attempt in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) puts up a shot in a crowd of Arizona State Sun Devils including guard Jose Perez (12), bottom, and forward Bryant Selebangue (24) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) gets knocked sideways on his drive against Arizona State forward Alonzo Gaffney (8), left, and forward Bryant Selebangue (24) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) scrapes away a shot by Arizona State forward Bryant Selebangue (24) during the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) gets held up by Arizona State guard Adam Miller (44) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) has to force his way past Arizona State center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9) while driving the baseline in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) flexes for his teammates on the bench after dropping an acrobatic basket against Arizona State in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona head coach Tomy Lloyd talks with one of the game officials during a break in play of the game against Arizona State at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) finds some room to put up a long shot over the crowd in the second half against Arizona State at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) puts up a short hook over Arizona State forward Bryant Selebangue (24) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson waves to the crowd as he subs out late in the Wildcats' 105-60 win against Arizona State at McKale Center.
Arizona State forward Bryant Selebangue (24) and Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) try to get to a loose ball late in the second half at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona forward Paulius Murauskas (23) runs into the defense of Arizona State guard Braelon Green (2) in the final minutes of the Wildcats win at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) goes up for the defensive rebound between Arizona State guard Frankie Collins (1), left, and center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
ASU coach Bobby Hurley has some words with one of the officials as the game gets away from the Sun Devils in the second half of their Pac-12 contest against Arizona at McKale Center on Saturday.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis, left, sneaks in to knock the ball away from Arizona State guard Adam Miller while UA guard Caleb Love also defends in the second half of their Pac-12 game at McKale.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) keeps Arizona State guard Frankie Collins (1) from scoring but gets charged with a foul in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) gets hit by Arizona State forward Alonzo Gaffney (8) trying to penetrate the lane in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) gets fouled by Arizona State forward Alonzo Gaffney (8) on his drive in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) swats away a shot by Arizona State forward Bryant Selebangue (24) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) forces a shot under the long arm of Arizona State forward Alonzo Gaffney (8) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Wilbur waves the A flag during player intros as Arizona gets ready to face off against arch rival Arizona State at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) lets out a roar after starting the scoring with a big dunk against Arizona State in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona State center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9) clothes lines Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) on his drive in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) shoves his way to the basket past Arizona State forward Bryant Selebangue (24) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) pressures Arizona State guard Jose Perez (12) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) gestures to the Zona Zoo student section after throwing down an overhand dunk against Arizona State in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Former Arizona center Christian Koloko talks with the media prior to be inducted in the Ring of Honor at the Wildcats’ game against Arizona State at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 17, 2024.
Photos: Arizona takes down Washington 91-75, Pac 12 basketball
Washington forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1) tries to claw back a loose ball from Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) tries to get his hands on a rebound in front of Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) scoops his way past Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) for reverse lay up in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) sends Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) flying as the two collide trying to get to an alley-oop pass from Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) gets a hand on Washington center Braxton Meah (34) trying to win a rebound in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) scoops his way past Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) for reverse lay up in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington forward Moses Wood (13) gets a hand on the ball as Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) drives into the lane in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd talks with one of the game officials during a timeout late in the second half against Washington at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) gets wrapped up by Washington guard Nate Calmese (8) on a drive in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) out jumps Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32), left, and forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1) to collect the offensive rebound in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) gestures after nailing a three from the top of the key against Washington in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) roars for the crowd after finishing off a fast break dunk against Washington in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd reacts after the Wildcat bench was assessed a technical foul for coming out on the floor following a basket against Washington in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington head coach Mike Hopkins encourages his Huskies after they make a stand against Arizona in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) jars the ball out of the grip of Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) fights through the pick from Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) to keep contact with forward Moses Wood (13) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) and Washington forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1) leap for a rebound in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2), left, and center Oumar Ballo (11) try to drag down a rebound against Washington center Braxton Meah (34) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) backs in a basket past Washington center Braxton Meah (34) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1), left, picks up a goaltending foul on a shot from Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) goes over the top of Washington forward Moses Wood (13) and guard Paul Mulcahy (9) for rebound in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) reverses a lay up around Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) scoops his way to a reverse lay up in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) jostles with Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32), left, and forward Moses Wood (13) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) throws down a bucket over Washington forward Moses Wood (13) during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington center Braxton Meah (34), left, and forward Moses Wood (13) can’t keep Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) from pulling in a rebound in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) gets a clean dunk on Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) strips Washington guard Koren Johnson (0) trying to head straight up the lane in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) drops a soft shot over against Washington center Braxton Meah (34) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) crashes into Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) on a Wildcat fast break in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington guard Anthony Holland (23) grabs Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) in attempt to keep him from a quick run to the bucket in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) finds a crowd in the lane as he tries to drive for a score against Washington in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson throws down a dunk early against Washington on Saturday’s game, which started at noon at McKale Center. UA is next in action at ASU on Wednesday night.
