Arizona is ranked No. 1 in men's basketball and was a heavy favorite over visiting Arizona State, but the game went down to the final minute

Undefeated seasons are special—but staying perfect while taking down your biggest rival is even sweeter. The Wildcats did just that, rolling past ASU in McKale Center to move to a flawless 17-0.

Though Arizona ultimately ended up beating ASU on Wednesday night, the fact that the Wildcats struggled against at home against an unranked team, trailing at halftime for the first time in more than a month,

The 7-footer has broke onto the scene as a legitimate star in his first season of college basketball, which has earned recognition from ESPN's Jeff Borzello as one of the standout freshman in division one basketball in the first half of the 2025-26 season.

My Arizona State vs. Arizona predictions and college basketball picks are bullish on the Wildcats’ offensive outlook for Wednesday, January 14. Arizona State vs Arizona best bet: Arizona team total Over 94.5 (-125)

Leave it to That School Up North to give Arizona its toughest challenge in two months. The top-ranked Wildcats remained among the dwindling number of unbeaten teams in the country, overcoming a rare halftime deficit and a spirited effort from ASU to win 89-82 on Wednesday night at McKale Center.

Arizona State basketball has frequently taken a backseat to the football program over the last several decades. Whether it's been under Frank Kush, Bruce Snyder, Todd Graham, or Kenny Dillingham, Sun Devil football has almost always taken precedence.

There's a new No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll with Arizona rising to the top spot after a loss by Michigan.

Arizona basketball head coach Tommy Lloyd said he learned how his team responds to challenges after beating Arizona State.