Arizona State narrowly lost a close rivalry match as the number 1-ranked Arizona Wildcats defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils on Wednesday night, January 14, 2026. The defeat continued to keep Arizona as one of the few undefeated Division I teams in the country as the Sun Devils demonstrated strength against their extremely popular neighbors.
Physical play and high interior scoring established the tone early by the Sun Devils, and they took a 39-38 lead into halftime. Arizona State dominated the paint and matched Arizona's intensity, frustrating the Wildcats during much of the first half.
Things changed after halftime as Arizona located its rhythm offensively. Freshman Koa Peat, who was quiet early, broke out in the second half, making all seven of his attempts. His rush contributed to the Wildcats getting a two-digit lead. Arizona hit 66.7 percent in the second half and made 11 straight field goals on a decisive streak.
The Arizona Wildcats were headed by Tobe Awaka, who scored a career-high 25 points, and Peat, who scored 24 points and 10 rebounds. In the case of Arizona State, the leaders of the offense were Maurice “Moe” Odum with 23 points and Massamba Diop with 16.
The deficit narrowed down to 87 82 on an Odum three-pointer in the last minute, but Arizona State ran out of time. But an opportune jumper on the part of Jaden Bradley and free-throw shooting kept Arizona alive to finish the victory. The Wildcats were also dominating the glass 3928.
The next target of Arizona State is a road game against the Houston Cougars on Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the tip-off time is 2:00 p.m. MST.