A Rocky Start: Colorado and Arizona State Clash in Big 12 Showdown
Both Colorado and Arizona State are facing early challenges in thier inaugural Big 12 seasons. After suffering opening losses, these two teams will collide in Tempe, Arizona, on Saturday afternoon, with one hoping to avoid a 0-2 start in their new conference.
The Buffaloes stumbled at home against the formidable No.3 Iowa State Cyclones on monday, while the Sun Devils fell to BYU on Tuesday. This matchup presents a crucial possibility for either team to secure their first Big 12 victory.
Arizona State (9-3,0-1 big 12) has had a nomadic start to the season,playing only four of their first twelve games at home. Six games were held at neutral sites, and two were on the road. The Sun Devils boast a balanced offensive attack led by Joson Sanon (13.5 points per game), Basheer Jihad (13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds), Alston Mason (11.3 points),and B.J. Freeman (11.3 points). Adam Miller (9.7 points) and Jayden Quaintance (9.3 points, 8.1 rebounds) also contribute significantly to the team’s scoring.In their loss to BYU, Freeman was the lone Sun devil to reach double figures, scoring 11 points.
Recognizing the immense challenge of competing in the Big 12, Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley acknowledged the conference’s dominance, stating, “The Big 12 is the premier basketball league in the country.” This sentiment is reinforced by the presence of five Big 12 teams currently ranked in the Top 25.
Colorado (9-3, 0-1) returns to the Big 12 after a thirteen-year stint in the Pac-12. Despite a valiant effort against Iowa State, the Buffaloes ultimately fell 79-69. This game marks their first true road test of the season, having played nine of their twelve games at home and three at a neutral site during the Maui Invitational.
Colorado coach Tad Boyle highlighted the threat posed by arizona State’s talented freshmen, Sanon, Quaintance, and Amier Ali, emphasizing their shooting prowess.
The Buffaloes rely heavily on senior guard Julian Hammond III, who averages 13.8 points per game. Elijah Malone contributes 11.5 points per game, while Andrej Jakimovski adds 11.2 points per contest.
Breaking Down teh Big 12 Battle: An Interview with Coach Doug Gottlieb
The Big 12 conference is proving to be a true crucible for newcomers Colorado and Arizona State, both of whom are struggling against the gauntlet of top-tier competition. This Saturday, these two teams clash in Tempe, searching for their first conference win. To unpack the matchup,I’m joined by former NBA point guard and current ESPN analyst,Coach Doug Gottlieb.
Moderator: Coach Gottlieb, thanks for joining me. Both colorado and Arizona State are coming off tough losses against formidable opponents.How do you see this matchup playing out?
Coach Gottlieb: Thanks for having me.This is a crucial game for both teams. They’re both trying to find their footing in this incredibly tough conference. Arizona State, with their nomadic start to the season, hasn’t had a chance to really settle into a home court advantage. Colorado, on the other hand, has been strong at home but this will be their first true road test in the Big 12.
Moderator: Coach Hurley has spoken about the immense challenge of competing in the Big 12, calling it the “premier basketball league in the country.” Do you agree with that sentiment?
Coach Gottlieb: Absolutely. The Big 12 is loaded with talent and depth this year. Five teams in the top 25, and every night is a battle.
Moderator: You mentioned Arizona State’s challenging schedule. They’ve played six games at neutral sites and only four at home. Do you think that early schedule has impacted their performance?
Coach Gottlieb: It’s definitely a factor. It disrupts rhythm and routine. But you also have to look at the bright side: they’ve been tested, they’ve played against quality opponents, and that experience could be valuable down the stretch.
Moderator: Colorado had a strong start to the season, but faltered against Iowa State. What do you think they need to do to bounce back against Arizona State?
Coach Gottlieb: Colorado needs to shut down arizona State’s freshmen. Those guys, Sanon, Quaintance, and Ali, are perilous scorers.They can’t let the Sun Devils get rolling from deep. And Julian Hammond III has to be their offensive leader. He’s their best player and needs to have a big game.
Moderator: Coach Boyle has noted Arizona State’s formidable freshman class. How do you see those young players impacting this game?
Coach Gottlieb: Those freshmen could be the difference makers. They bring a lot of energy and explosiveness.But they’re also young, and Big 12 games are physical and demanding. It’ll be interesting to see how they handle the pressure.
Moderator: This is a great early-season matchup in a conference already buzzing with excitement.
What are your predictions for this game, Coach?
Coach Gottlieb: It’s going to beClose. Both teams are hungry for a win, and I think it’ll come down to the wire. I’ll give the slight edge to Arizona State at home,but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Colorado pull off the upset.
Moderator: Thanks for those insights, Coach.this is a game fans won’t want to miss. What are your thoughts on this matchup, folks? leave your predictions in the comments below!
