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As the No. 25 ranked BYU Cougars gear up to face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils, basketball enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement about this pivotal matchup in the Big 12 Conference. The question on everyone’s mind: Is this game a potential trap for BYU following their thrilling upset against the Arizona Wildcats?
After a grueling 96-95 victory over Arizona that took a toll both mentally and physically on the players, BYU must now prepare for a shorthanded ASU team that has shown resilience despite its struggles this season. The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. MST at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona, and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
The last time these two teams met was on New Year's Eve, where BYU dominated with a commanding 76-56 win. However, Coach Kevin Young has expressed concern about the game being a trap, as every matchup in the Big 12 can turn unpredictable. The Cougars currently hold a record of 19-8 overall and 10-6 in conference play, positioning them in fifth place in the Big 12 standings, while ASU is struggling at 13-14 and 4-12 in their inaugural season in the conference.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
BYU's recent performance has propelled them into the national spotlight. They received their first national ranking of the season, a testament to their back-to-back victories over powerhouse programs like Kansas and Arizona. Junior Richie Saunders has emerged as a key player, having earned accolades as Big 12 Player of the Week and ranking fourth in scoring with an impressive average of 17.6 points per game.
However, Coach Young warns that all this success can be fleeting. "It all means nothing if we stumble against Arizona State," he stated, emphasizing the need for focus and resilience as they take on a team eager to avenge their earlier defeat.
Arizona State's Underdog Mentality
The Sun Devils may be sitting at the bottom of the Big 12 standings, but they are a team filled with potential, evidenced by their recent victory against Kansas State despite dealing with injuries and player dismissals. Leading scorer B.J. Freeman's departure leaves a gap, yet Arizona State's other players are stepping up to prove their worth.
Jayden Quaintance, one of ASU’s standout players, suffered a lower-leg injury in their last match, adding to their woes. Still, with a NET ranking of 60, the Sun Devils present a Quad 1 opportunity for BYU, which means a win could significantly bolster their resume for postseason consideration.
How to Watch the Big Game
Fans can catch the BYU vs. Arizona State game via ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. MST. For those preferring traditional radio broadcasts, KSL NewsRadio will provide comprehensive coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. MST. With a capacity of 14,198 at Desert Financial Arena, the atmosphere promises to be electrifying as these two teams battle it out on the court.
Final Thoughts
With the stakes high and both teams in need of a victory, the matchup promises to be thrilling. BYU must overcome the emotional fatigue from their previous game while avoiding any complacency against an ASU team that has much to prove. As fans and analysts alike keep an eye on this potential trap game, one thing is clear: a win tonight is crucial for BYU not just for standings, but to maintain their momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Will the Cougars rise to the occasion, or will Arizona State pull off an upset? Basketball fans will be eagerly watching.
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