Arizona State basketball plays its first game in Big 12 conference play on the road at BYU on Tuesday afternoon. Read more for a full Arizona State vs. BYU prediction and preview.
One more game for the Sun Devils before the calendar flips to 2025, and they do so by ringing in a new era in program history. Despite facing off against a new conference foe, it will be their eighth all-time matchup against the Cougars, going 2-5 against them.
General Information:
Teams: Arizona State (9-2) and BYU (9-2)
Tip Time: 4 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPN2
Listen: ESPN 620 AM (KTAR)
What to know about BYU:
Like the Sun Devils, the Cougars went 9-2 in non-conference play, with the only losses–against No. 23 Ole Miss and Providence–coming away from home. They have also been on break since Christmas, last hitting the court in a 103-57 home victory against Florida A&M on Dec. 20.
Most fans remember BYU basketball for having Mark Pope, who returned to Kentucky in the offseason after coaching the Cougars from 2019 to 2024. They may also remember the team for its future, with the nation’s No. 1 recruit AJ Dybantsa committing to the school.
But the team also has an exciting present, with a high-flying offense averaging 85.6 points per game. It is also aggressive on the glass, with 42.2 rebounds per game.
The Cougars have five players averaging double figures. One of those players, freshman Kanon Catchings, is the only player that has started all 11 games this season. He also led the team with 21 points against Florida A&M. He is not the only freshman making an impact, as Egor Demin, who joined the team from Russia, has averaged 13.3 points per game. Kevin Young’s side also has some veterans, with graduate Trevin Knell, senior Fousseyni Traore and junior Richie Saunders.
Arizona State basketball will be entering a raucous environment as well. Each BYU home game at Marriott Center this season has at least 15,000 in attendance.
Latest on Arizona State
The Sun Devils rebounded on Dec. 21 with a 78-62 win over UMass at the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Springfield, MA. They were down 33-31 at the half before pulling off some monstrous runs in the second half.
Bobby Hurley’s forwards led the way, with senior Basheer Jihad scoring 20 points, eight rebounds and three blocks and freshman Jayden Quaintance with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. Senior guard Alston Mason followed with 13 points and six assists.
Arizona State basketball also added an extra player during the break in Trevor Best. The 2025 recruit, who will start training with the team, comes from Word of God Christian Academy, the same high school attended by Quaintance. He received a lot of praise for the commitment, with rapper Waka Flocka Flame commending the guard.
“I’m so excited for this journey and look forward to being back with my guy JQ (Quaintance) and meeting the guys on the team,” Best said in his commitment post, shared on Instagram. “I know i can learn a lot from them and be a better version of myself.”
Prediction: BYU by 7 (81-74)
The Sun Devils have improved since their last meeting against the Cougars, a 77-49 drubbing in the Las Vegas Classic. But the crowd at the Marriott Center could get to the Maroon and Gold, especially knowing Arizona State basketball’s first half struggles over the past two games.