Phoenix, AZ, December 16, 2025
The Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball team achieved a remarkable 82-79 comeback victory against Santa Clara, improving their record to 9-2 for the season. Overcoming a 17-point halftime deficit, the team showcased resilience and strategic teamwork. This victory has caught the attention of national analysts, elevating Arizona State’s profile and positioning them as a potential contender for the NCAA Tournament. Their success not only excites fans but also highlights the impact of effective coaching and player development within a competitive conference landscape.
Phoenix, AZ — The Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball program is experiencing a significant surge in perception following their dramatic 82-79 comeback victory over the Santa Clara Broncos on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This thrilling neutral-site win in Las Vegas propelled the Sun Devils to an impressive 9-2 record for the 2025-26 season, solidifying their emergent status as a potential contender for a surprise NCAA Tournament berth in March. The team’s resilience, demonstrated by overcoming a substantial 17-point halftime deficit, has captured national attention, underscoring the value of tenacious effort and strategic adaptation in competitive athletics.
This remarkable turnaround follows a challenging 2024-25 season where the Sun Devils navigated their inaugural year in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference with a 13-20 overall record and a 4-16 conference mark. The current season’s strong start, capped by this hard-fought victory, signals a program that has embraced the rigors of a new conference landscape and is now poised to capitalize on individual talent and collective determination. Such a rise not only ignites fan enthusiasm but also reaffirms the power of dedicated leadership and player development in achieving success.
A Triumph of Will and Teamwork
The victory against Santa Clara was a testament to the Sun Devils’ unwavering resolve. Trailing by a daunting 17 points at halftime, 55-38, the team faced significant adversity. Head Coach Bobby Hurley’s ejection late in the first half after a double technical foul presented an additional challenge, placing assistant coach Nick Irvin at the helm for the remainder of the game. Despite these hurdles, Arizona State orchestrated a historic 17-point comeback in the second half, tying a program record. The Sun Devils outscored the Broncos 44-24 in the final twenty minutes, showcasing exceptional defensive intensity and offensive execution.
Key performances fueled this dramatic reversal. Senior guard Anthony “Pig” Johnson delivered 15 points, with 14 of those coming in the pivotal second half. Freshman center Massamba Diop contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, while senior guard Moe Odum orchestrated the offense with 12 points and seven assists. Junior forward Andrija Grbovic added a season-high 13 points, making crucial shots down the stretch, and Marcus Adams Jr. hit a game-tying three-pointer during the decisive run. This collective effort highlights how individual initiative, when channeled into a cohesive team strategy, can overcome formidable obstacles.
Elevated National Standing and Tournament Aspirations
The dramatic win has significantly boosted Arizona State’s national profile. Respected NCAA writer Andy Katz now places Arizona State at number 23 in his “power 37” rankings, a dramatic ascent attributed to their comeback win over Santa Clara and a prior victory against Oklahoma. This positive momentum is translating into early NCAA Tournament projections, with some analysts including the Sun Devils among the “Last 4 Byes” in their bracketology forecasts. Such recognition underscores the tangible rewards of a competitive, winning program, drawing positive attention to the university and the broader Arizona State AZ athletics scene.
The team’s impressive 9-2 non-conference record for the 2025-26 season sets a strong foundation as they prepare for the demanding Big 12 Conference schedule. Their readiness to compete in Big 12 play is critical, given the conference’s formidable reputation. The ability to secure high-level Quad Two wins, as demonstrated against Texas, Oklahoma, and Santa Clara, along with competitive performances against top-ranked teams like Gonzaga and USC, indicates a team built for the challenges ahead. This robust start is a testament to the strategic vision of the coaching staff and the diligent efforts of the student-athletes.
Economic Ripple Effects Across Phoenix, AZ
Beyond the scoreboard, the success of Arizona State Sun Devils athletics, particularly high-profile programs like men’s basketball, generates substantial economic benefits for the city of Phoenix and the broader state of Arizona. Sun Devil Athletics, in its entirety, contributes an impressive $99.5 million to Arizona’s gross domestic product annually. While football often garners significant attention, ticketed Olympic sports, excluding football, independently contribute nearly $45 million to the state’s GDP.
These events draw thousands of visitors to the metro Phoenix area, spurring activity in local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments in Tempe and across Maricopa County experience a notable surge in business as fans travel to attend games. This influx of out-of-town visitors and their spending on lodging, dining, entertainment, and other goods and services directly supports jobs and generates tax revenue, fostering economic growth through private sector activity. The sustained competitiveness of programs like men’s basketball creates a consistent calendar of events that injects vitality into the local economy, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between athletic excellence and regional prosperity.
Nurturing Success Through Investment and Community
The consistent performance of Arizona State athletics is not solely the result of on-court talent; it is significantly bolstered by strategic investments and robust community support. The Sun Devil Club’s annual scholarship fund plays a crucial role by supplementing scholarships for over 600 student-athletes across 26 sports, accounting for approximately $14 million of the athletics budget. These funds extend beyond tuition, providing competitive advantages such as progressive athletic equipment, updated practice facilities, and modernized technology. This commitment to providing top-tier resources reflects an understanding that investing in student-athletes is an investment in the university’s and the community’s future.
Private donations and corporate partnerships are vital components of this ecosystem, driving responsible growth within the athletic department. Initiatives by the ASU Foundation encourage philanthropic support for various athletic programs, including the Head Coaches Excellence Fund, which supports summer school attendance and nutrition plans for student-athletes. Furthermore, Sun Devil Athletics actively engages in community service, fostering positive relationships and demonstrating the university’s commitment to civic responsibility. This integrated approach, combining private initiative with community engagement, ensures that athletic success contributes broadly to the well-being of the Arizona State University community and beyond.
The Path Ahead for College Basketball in Phoenix
As the Arizona State Sun Devils prepare for the rigorous Big 12 Conference schedule, the perception of the program has undeniably shifted. Their dramatic victory over Santa Clara serves as a powerful testament to the team’s grit, strategic development, and potential. The challenges of the Big 12 will undoubtedly test this resilience, but the early season success provides a strong foundation and heightened expectations for college basketball in Phoenix.
The positive trajectory of Arizona State athletics, fueled by both on-field triumphs and sustained community investment, exemplifies how successful university programs can become significant economic engines and sources of civic pride. Continuing to champion this spirit of competition and self-reliance will be paramount. Residents and businesses are encouraged to remain engaged with Sun Devil athletics, supporting the student-athletes and fostering an environment where both athletic prowess and community flourishing are prioritized.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final score of the Arizona State vs. Santa Clara men’s basketball game?
- The final score was Arizona State 82, Santa Clara 79.
- What is Arizona State’s current record after the win?
- After the dramatic win over Santa Clara, Arizona State’s men’s basketball team holds a 9-2 record for the 2025-26 season.
- Did Arizona State overcome a deficit in the game?
- Yes, Arizona State rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat Santa Clara, tying a program record for a comeback.
- What is the economic impact of Sun Devil Athletics on Arizona’s economy?
- Sun Devil Athletics generates a total economic impact of $99.5 million for Arizona’s gross domestic product.
- Is Arizona State projected to make the NCAA Tournament?
- Following their strong start, Arizona State is building a case to be a surprise tournament team, with some bracketology projections placing them among the “Last 4 Byes” for the NCAA Tournament.
- Who coached the second half of the game for Arizona State after Bobby Hurley’s ejection?
- Assistant coach Nick Irvin took over as the acting head coach for Arizona State in the second half.
2025-26 Arizona State Men’s Basketball Season Highlights
| Statistic/Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Overall Record | 9-2 |
| Recent Game Result | 82-79 win vs. Santa Clara (December 13, 2025) |
| Comeback vs. Santa Clara | Overcame a 17-point halftime deficit (tied program record) |
| Head Coach | Bobby Hurley (11th season in 2025-26) |
| Big 12 Conference Membership | First-year member in 2024-25, continuing in 2025-26 |
| National Ranking (Andy Katz) | No. 23 in “power 37” rankings |
| NCAA Tournament Projection | “Last 4 Byes” in some bracketology projections |
| Key Player Contributions vs. Santa Clara | Anthony Johnson (15 pts), Massamba Diop (15 pts, 9 reb), Moe Odum (12 pts, 7 ast), Andrija Grbovic (13 pts) |
| Total Economic Impact (Sun Devil Athletics) | $99.5 million on Arizona’s GDP (State-level) |
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