Arizona State heads to a chilly Morgantown tonight for a 9 p.m. tip-off in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
The Sun Devils (10-7, 1-5 Big 12) started the 2024-25 season strong, winning eight of their first nine games. Their lone early-season loss came against then-No. 6 Gonzaga, a team West Virginia later defeated. However, a weaker schedule likely contributed to Arizona State’s hot start, as the team has since lost six of its last eight games.
Tied for 14th in the Big 12 standings, Arizona State has dropped four straight games. Its sole conference win came at home against Colorado, who remains winless in Big 12 play at 0-6.
The Sun Devils excel from beyond the arc, ranking third in the conference with a 36.5% three-point shooting percentage. However, West Virginia has been dominant defending the perimeter, holding opponents to just 28.1% from three — the second-best mark in the Big 12. This tough defense was on full display in the Mountaineers’ recent win over then-No. 2 Iowa State, where the Cyclones shot just 1-for-17 from deep.
Arizona State is winless on the road at 0-4, making the WVU Coliseum a tough venue for a landing spot.
Senior guard B.J. Freeman leads the Sun Devils, averaging 13.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. The 6-foot-6, 200-pound guard transferred from Milwaukee University this season.
Arizona State’s starting lineup has recently featured Alston Mason, Adam Miller, Jayden Quaintance, and Basheer Jihad. The team has been without its second-leading scorer, Jason Sanon, who has been sidelined with an injury since Jan. 11.
The Sun Devils face a tough test tonight against a Quad 1 opponent. They are 1-6 in Quad 1 games this season. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers boast a 9-1 home record and are looking to add another Big 12 win.
