The Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz.
Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. central. Iowa State (16-2, 6-1 in Big 12) is ranked No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25. Arizona State (17-7, 2-5) is not ranked. The game will air on ESPN+.
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This is the first time the two teams have met since Arizona State joined the Big 12 last year. The Sun Devils have a solid home record, as they are 5-2 at Desert Financial Arena. The Sun Devils are coming off their first win over a ranked opponent this year as they beat West Virginia in Morgantown.
Iowa State bounced back nicely from its loss to West Virginia last weekend by blowing out UCF at home earlier this week. The Cyclones scored 108 points in that victory over the Knights and hope there is some carryover against Arizona State.
Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.
How to Watch Iowa State vs. Arizona State
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN+
Sign up for ESPN+ now to stream the Iowa State vs. Arizona State game!
Site: Desert Financial Arena, Tempe, Ariz.
Iowa State vs. Arizona State Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Iowa State -9.5
Current Line: Iowa State -9.5
Over/Under: 145
Iowa State vs. Arizona State Predictions
Arizona State’s victory over West Virginia was helpful for the Sun Devils. They returned to bubble status in ESPN’s Bracketology, which was updated on Friday. But if the Sun Devils expect to make the NCAA Tournament, they are going to need a few more wins like the one they picked up in Morgantown.
Saturday’s game presents the Sun Devils with another chance to pick up a Quad 1 win. A win over the Cyclones would be a true resume builder for Bobby Hurley’s crew.
The Sun Devils have a lot of firepower. Keep an eye on guard BJ Freeman (13.2 ppg), Alston Mason (11.3 ppg, 3.5 apg) and freshman forward Jayden Quaintance (10.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg).
Also keep an eye on the status of guard Joson Sanon (12.8 ppg). The freshman last played on Jan. 11 against Baylor and is dealing with an injury. His status for Saturday is unclear.
Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson is locked in on the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year award. He dropped 30 points on UCF earlier this week and is averaging 12.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
The injury to Milan Momcilovic is forcing coach T.J. Otzelberger to tighten his rotations. Outside of his starters, only Demarion Watson and Nate Heise logged double-digit minutes against UCF. He’s also re-adjusted the starting lineup after using Brandon Chatfield in the starting five against Kansas a week ago. Dishon Jackson is now back in the starting line up.
Barring matchups, it should be Jefferson, Jackson, Tamin Lipsey, Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert moving forward. Finding more minutes for a Kayden Fish, JT Rock, Cade Kelderman or Nojus Indrusaitis would help reduce the workload in Momcilovic’s absence.
Fun fact — Arizona State hasn’t played a ranked team at home this season. The Sun Devils are 1-3 in ranked games. If Sanon plays, the Sun Devils have a real shot. But I’m not banking on his return. But I don’t expect ISU to run away with this.
Iowa State 81, Arizona State 73
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Iowa State (77.4% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
