The Arizona State Sun Devils play host to the UCLA Bruins in a crucial PAC 12 showdown from Desert Financial Arena. UCLA comes in riding a lengthy winning streak and sitting undefeated atop the conference standings. For Arizona State, they have their own four-game winning streak, as they seek to build on that. Last year, the two teams split the season series, while they've also split five of the last ten meetings overall as well. This has been a great matchup over the years and this promises to be one that fans will want to tune in for.
UCLA hits the road to take on the team just behind them in the PAC 12 standings in what is sure to be one of their toughest matchups of the season. They've won 13 games in a row, which has been one of the most impressive runs in the country, though taking down the Sun Devils on the road remains at the top of their to-do list. The Bruins only two losses have come on neutral courts, sitting with a 4-0 record in true road games this season. The balance on both sides of the ball has only improved as the season has gone on and given some of the teams they've faced, they aren't likely to be daunted at the idea of taking on the Sun Devils. Last year saw them lose in overtime in their matchup in Tempe and there's no doubt that revenge will be on their mind in the rematch.
The Bruins are without two players as they hit the road in this one. Evan Manjikian (arm) remains out indefinitely but hasn't played a s olid role on the team this season. The more concerning absence is that of Amari Bailey (foot), as the talented freshman is likely to be missed in the backcourt.
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No. 5-ranked UCLA (16-2, 7-0 Pac-12) returns to action at Arizona State (15-3, 6-1) on Thursday evening in Tempe, Ariz.
Catch the action live on FS1. Game time is 7:30 pm (PT).
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— UCLA Men's Basketball (@UCLAMBB) January 18, 2023
It shouldn't come as a surprise that UCLA has found success on both sides of the ball, especially considering their record this season. They rank 70th nationally in scoring and they'll need to be strong with the defense on the other side. With four double-figure scorers, the scoring depth of this team is unmatched in the PAC 12. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (16.7 ppg) is the leader when it comes to scoring but Tyger Campbell (13.3 ppg, 4.7 apg) is the floor general and should have his way dictating the offense in this one. It also won't hurt that UCLA has one of the best defenses in the country as well and considering Arizona State's struggles on the offensive side, that is bound to make a difference in this one.