Arizona State University’s men’s basketball team has made a name for itself with its remarkable ability to excel in close games. Since the 2019-20 season, the Sun Devils have secured a total of 48 victories in matches determined by six points or less, placing them at the top of college basketball for such finishes. This season alone, ASU has clinched four of these hard-fought victories against teams like Texas, Washington State, Santa Clara, and Kansas State. The team’s record in these nail-biters is an impressive 48-29, translating to a win percentage of 62.3%. Moreover, they have demonstrated resilience in one-possession games, boasting a commendable 10-3 record over the past three seasons.
The Sun Devils share the distinction of most wins by six points or fewer with Northern Colorado and Kansas, both racking up 48 wins during this period. This statistic underscores the competitiveness of the college basketball landscape and highlights ASU’s capability to perform under pressure.
In addition to their thrilling finishes, Arizona State has shown tenacity in comebacks. Under Head Coach Bobby Hurley, the team has rallied to victory after trailing at halftime 52 times since he took over. Notably, they have managed to turn around five such games this season alone. This resilience has been particularly evident in conference play, where 27 of those comebacks have occurred. Hurley ranks third among Division I coaches in such victories since 2015-16, reflecting his ability to inspire his players to fight back when the odds are against them.
The latest game showcased the Sun Devils’ grit as they outscored Cincinnati 45-35 in the second half. This performance not only prevented Wes Miller from achieving his 52nd comeback win—tying him with Hurley—but also reinforced Arizona State’s reputation for overcoming adversity.
On an individual level, star point guard Moe Odum is making waves this season. He ranks 12th nationally and third in the Big 12 with 132 assists, averaging an impressive 6.6 assists per game. His capacity as a playmaker is further demonstrated by his consistent performance, achieving five or more assists in 17 of 20 games this season. This puts him on a trajectory to potentially break into the top three for single-season assists in program history.
Notably, Odum is not just about assists; he is also showcasing his prowess as an all-around player. He stands out in several key statistical categories, including a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.58, which ranks him 7th nationally, and a scoring average that places him among the elite players in the nation. His recent standout performance of 36 points against Texas marks him as one of the top scorers away from home in ASU history.
Moe Odum’s achievements contribute to a promising narrative for the Sun Devils as they navigate the season, demonstrating both individual brilliance and a collective resilience that could pave the way for continued success. Arizona State fans have much to look forward to as the team continues pushing the limits of what they can achieve together, with the potential for thrilling moments ahead as they pursue their goals.