Tempers flare, emotions run high and houses divide. It’s rivalry week in Tempe.
Similar to the past three years, however, there’s a growing sense of optimism as Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley continues to bridge the gap between his Sun Devils and their Tucson-based counterpart.
Nearly knocking off the Wildcats twice a year ago, the outcomes didn’t favor ASU, but Hurley’s team challenged coach Sean Miller’s group on both occassions, putting the state and Miller on notice that a new chapter of the rivalry was inevitable.
Redshirt senior forward Zylan Cheatham was forced to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, instead taking in the game from the sidelines.