Rivalry week is always a highlight on the college basketball calendar, but this year’s clash between the Arizona Wildcats and Arizona State Sun Devils carries even more weight than usual. The top-ranked Wildcats, currently boasting an unblemished 21-0 record, are set to face their in-state rivals at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with tipoff scheduled for 12 p.m. Mountain Time (2 p.m. Eastern).
Arizona’s remarkable run has them on the cusp of school history. With a victory over the Sun Devils, the Wildcats would set the record for the best start in program history—a feat that’s been tantalizingly close in previous seasons, but never quite achieved. Their most recent triumph, a gritty road win at No. 13 BYU, showcased the depth and resilience of Tommy Lloyd’s squad. Brayden Burries poured in 29 points, while Jaden Bradley contributed 26, helping Arizona edge out BYU in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
“We’re just focused on finishing strong,” head coach Tommy Lloyd said in pregame coverage, emphasizing the team’s desire to stay grounded despite the growing hype. “Every game is a new challenge, and we’re not taking anything for granted.”
The Wildcats’ dominance this season is reflected in national rankings and analytics alike. Arizona sits atop the Associated Press Top 25 poll as of January 26, 2026. According to KenPom.com, they have a staggering 92 percent chance of victory against the Sun Devils, while FanDuel Sportsbook lists them as 14.5-point favorites with an over/under set at 163.5. That’s a testament not only to Arizona’s firepower but also to the struggles facing Arizona State.
For the Sun Devils, this game represents a shot at redemption in what’s been a challenging stretch. Bobby Hurley’s squad has dropped eight of its last ten games, including a heartbreaker against UCF on January 27, where they squandered a 12-point lead in the final six minutes to lose 79-76. The defeat left the team searching for answers and eager to turn things around against their biggest rivals.
“We have to learn from these close losses,” Hurley commented after the UCF game. “Arizona is a great team, but rivalry games bring out something different in everyone. We’re ready to compete.”
It’s not as though the Sun Devils are strangers to adversity. This season has tested their mettle time and again, but the energy of a packed Desert Financial Arena and the intensity that comes with facing Arizona could provide the spark they need. After all, anything can happen when these two teams meet—just ask fans who remember past upsets and buzzer-beaters in this storied rivalry.
Arizona and Arizona State last met on January 14 in Tucson, where the Wildcats emerged victorious, 89-82. That contest was a hard-fought battle, with both teams trading blows before Arizona pulled away late. The Sun Devils will be hoping for a different outcome on their home court, where the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
Fans eager to catch the action have plenty of options. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT, with Spero Dedes handling play-by-play duties, Greg Anthony providing analysis, and Jared Greenberg reporting from the sideline. Streaming is available via HBOMax.com and DIRECTV, making it easy for supporters across the country to tune in. Radio listeners can catch the Wildcats’ broadcast on Wildcats Sports Radio 1290 AM or, for those on the go, via SiriusXM channels 83 (Arizona) and 380 (Arizona State).
Social media will also be buzzing, with live updates and commentary available through @AZDesertSwarm, editor Brian Pedersen (@realBJP), and the official team account (@ArizonaMBB). Pregame coverage has included expert previews, predictions, and player insights, adding to the anticipation. Notably, Arizona alum Carter Bryant is set to participate in the upcoming NBA Slam Dunk Contest—a point of pride for the Wildcats faithful and a reminder of the program’s growing national profile.
Looking ahead, both teams face challenging schedules in the weeks to come. Arizona State’s next five games include tough matchups against Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Baylor. For Arizona, the road doesn’t get any easier, with showdowns against Oklahoma State, Kansas, Texas Tech, BYU, and Houston on the horizon. Every game carries postseason implications, but the immediate focus remains squarely on Saturday’s rivalry showdown.
For Arizona, the key to victory will be maintaining the balanced attack that’s served them so well all season. Burries and Bradley have emerged as dynamic scoring threats, but the Wildcats’ success is built on unselfish play, stifling defense, and a deep bench. “We trust each other,” Bradley remarked after the BYU win. “That’s what makes us dangerous—anyone can step up on any night.”
The Sun Devils, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on home-court advantage and feed off the energy of their fans. Despite their recent struggles, Hurley’s team has the talent to compete, especially if they can limit turnovers and find consistency on offense. The memory of their collapse against UCF is still fresh, but it could serve as motivation to finish strong against the Wildcats.
As tipoff approaches, excitement is building on both sides of the rivalry. For Arizona, history is within reach, but the Wildcats know they can’t afford to overlook an opponent desperate for a statement win. For Arizona State, the chance to play spoiler and reignite their season is all the motivation they need.
With national attention focused on Tempe, Saturday’s game promises to deliver all the drama, intensity, and unpredictability that make college basketball so compelling. Whether Arizona extends its perfect start or Arizona State pulls off a stunning upset, fans can expect a battle worthy of one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.
As the Wildcats and Sun Devils prepare to square off, one thing is certain: the eyes of the basketball world will be watching closely, waiting to see if Arizona can make history—or if Arizona State has a surprise in store.