No. 3 Iowa State Faces Arizona State in Crucial Big 12 Showdown

TEMPE, Ariz. — The No. 3-ranked Iowa State Cyclones (16-2, 6-2 Big 12) will face the Arizona State Sun Devils (11-7, 2-5) in a pivotal Big 12 Conference matchup Saturday at Desert Financial Arena. The game, set for 1 p.m. CT, will be exclusively streamed online, requiring a subscription.

Iowa State enters the contest fresh off a dominant 108-83 victory over UCF on Tuesday, showcasing their offensive firepower. The Cyclones, one of the nation’s top teams, rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, Arizona State is coming off a surprising 65-57 road win against West Virginia, their first away victory of the season.

The Sun Devils may receive a boost with the return of freshman guard Joson Sanon, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Sanon, the team’s second-leading scorer at 12.8 points per game, practiced Friday and is expected to play. “Joson looked fantastic today. It’s as good as he’s looked since prior to the injury,” Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley said. “He’s going to be green-lighted tomorrow assuming he responded well from what he did today in practice.”

Sanon’s return could provide a much-needed spark for Arizona State, which has struggled with consistency on offense. The Sun Devils are led by wing BJ Freeman, who averages 13.2 points per game. However, the team has often gone through prolonged scoring droughts, a weakness Iowa State’s elite defense will look to exploit.

Iowa State’s balanced attack, led by standout performances from players like Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert, has been a key to their success this season. The Cyclones’ ability to maintain defensive intensity, even during offensive struggles, has been a hallmark of their disciplined play.

Saturday’s game marks a critical juncture for both teams. Iowa State aims to solidify its position as a national title contender, while Arizona State looks to build momentum and climb the Big 12 standings. The matchup will test the Sun Devils’ resilience against one of the toughest opponents on their schedule.

Fans can follow the game’s live updates and highlights online, as the contest will not be broadcast on national television. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the competitive Big 12 landscape.