Preview
3 min read

Desert Financial Arena Showdown: Arizona State Sun Devils to Battle California Golden Bears

As the Arizona State Sun Devils prepare to host the California Golden Bears at Desert Financial Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from recent performances. The upcoming game, scheduled for February 3rd, will be a crucial test for the Sun Devils who have shown a mix of highs and lows in their past games.


Feb 11, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears forward Sam Alajiki (24) shoots the basketball against Arizona State Sun Devils forward Duke Brennan (24) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

The Sun Devils' trend has been somewhat inconsistent. In their last three games, they've experienced both ends of the scoring spectrum. They put up an impressive 84 points against San Diego but fell short defensively, allowing 89 points in a high-scoring affair. Their offense was clicking with a field goal percentage of around 48 percent and three-point shooting at approximately 41 percent.


However, this offensive firepower didn't carry over into their next game against Northwestern Wildcats where they scored only 46 points with a field goal percentage dropping significantly to about 31 percent and three-point shooting plummeting to roughly 17 percent. The team struggled particularly in the first half but showed resilience by more than doubling their score in the second half.


Feb 11, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears forward Sam Alajiki (24) is fouled by Arizona State Sun Devils guard Malcolm Flaggs (33) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Their most recent outing saw them lose again with only 59 points on about 39 percent shooting from the field and just making one out of four free throws attempted. Turnovers were also an issue as they gave up possession nineteen times which led to several points off turnovers for TCU Horned Frogs.


Defensively, there's room for improvement as well; while they managed six blocks against TCU Horned Frogs, it wasn't enough to stop them from scoring heavily inside the paint or on fast breaks.


Feb 11, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Desmond Cambridge Jr. (4) shoots a three point basket against California Golden Bears forward Monty Bowser (2) during overtime period at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead at Desert Financial Arena – known for its energetic atmosphere – could provide that extra boost needed by ASU players. Fans can expect an intense matchup as both teams vie for victory on this home court advantage that has historically fueled ASU's spirit and performance.


The game is set to tip-off at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on February third at eight PM local time (UTC). Fans won't want to miss this Pac-12 clash which will be broadcasted live on Pac-12 Network.

Rate the article

Related stories

Can Arizona State Sun Devils Outshine Utah Utes at T-Mobile Arena?
Preview

Can Arizona State Sun Devils Outshine Utah Utes at T-Mobile Arena?

3 min read
Sun Devils Set to Clash with UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion
Preview

Sun Devils Set to Clash with UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion

3 min read
Sun Devils Set to Clash with Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles Showdown
Preview

Sun Devils Set to Clash with Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles Showdown

2 min read