Desert Financial Arena Set to Host Arizona State Sun Devils and UCLA Bruins in Men's Basketball Showdown
As the Arizona State Sun Devils prepare to welcome the UCLA Bruins to the Desert Financial Arena, fans are anticipating a thrilling game of men's basketball. The upcoming match, scheduled for January 18th, promises to be an exciting event as both teams vie for victory on the court.
The Sun Devils have had a mixed bag of performances in their recent outings. In their last game against Northwestern Wildcats at Footprint Center, they struggled offensively, scoring only 46 points with a field goal percentage of just 31 percent and an even lower three-point percentage at 17 percent. Their rebounding was also lackluster with only 31 rebounds compared to Northwestern's 41.
However, looking back at their previous games provides a glimpse into the potential that Arizona State possesses. Against TCU Horned Frogs, despite losing with a score of 59-79, they showed defensive prowess by blocking six shots and stealing seven times. They also had better shooting efficiency than in their latest match but were hampered by turnovers which reached an alarming number of nineteen.
Their performance against San Diego Toreros showcased what the team is capable of when firing on all cylinders; they scored an impressive 84 points with improved shooting percentages across the board—48 percent from field goals and a significant jump to 41 percent from beyond the arc.
The venue could play into Arizona State's hands as home-court advantage has often been cited as influential in basketball outcomes. The support from local fans can energize players and potentially disrupt visiting teams' focus.
In conclusion, while recent trends suggest some inconsistency in performance levels for Arizona State Sun Devils—especially concerning turnovers and shooting accuracy—their high-scoring potential cannot be overlooked. As they face off against UCLA Bruins at Desert Financial Arena on January 18th at local time (2:00 AM GMT), fans can expect them to leverage home advantage and aim for a strong showing. The game will be broadcasted on Pac-12 Network for those who wish to catch all the action live.