West Virginia heads to Tempe for a midweek Big 12 test

Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Tipoff Time: 9:00PM ET

Location: Desert Financial Arena — Tempe, Arizona

Broadcast Information

Streaming: Peacock

Announcers: Pete Sousa and Matt Muehlebach

Radio: Mountaineer Sports Network (Radio Affiliates) | SiriusXM Channel 389 and Streaming Channel 979 | WVU Gameday App (Apple | Android)

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Radio Announcers: Tony Caridi (PBP) and Brad Howe (analyst)

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Betting Odds

Get in on the action with our friends at FanDuel Sportsbook.

• West Virginia: +2.5 points | +118 ML

• Arizona State: -2.5 points | -142 ML

• Over/Under: 145.5 total points

(As of 11:30AM ET/January 21, 2026)

Game Preview

West Virginia opens their two-game Arizona road trip tonight with a stop in Tempe to face an Arizona State team that has been competitive in Big 12 play, despite what the record reflects.

The Mountaineers enter at 12-6 overall and 3-2 in conference play after defending home court vs. Colorado on Saturday. Arizona State sits at 10-8 and 1-4 in the league, but that record needs some added context. The Sun Devils have already picked up wins over Texas, Oklahoma, Washington State, and Kansas State, and have stayed within striking distance against Colorado and top-ranked Arizona.

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The Sun Devils’ identity starts on offense. Bobby Hurley’s team plays up tempo and with confidence, averaging 80.4 points per game and scoring at least 73 points in 17 of their 18 outings this season. Even in losses, they’ve shown ability to put pressure on opponents by getting into early offense and attacking the rim.

The Sun Devils are built around a reliable inside-outside combination. Senior guard Moe Odum, a transfer from Pepperdine, leads the team with 16.3 points per game and has already shown he can take over games, including a 36-point showing against Texas. Inside, 7-foot-1 freshman Massamba Diop has emerged as a consistent presence down low, averaging 14.2 points per game and coming off three straight 20-point outings earlier this month.

The Sun Devils also get production from their bench, particularly from Anthony “Pig” Johnson, who gives them another scoring option and has adjusted quickly to the Big 12 after averaging nearly 24 points per game last season on the NAIA level at University of Cumberlands.

For West Virginia, it’s about control. The Mountaineers have been at their best when they dictate pace and force opponents to score late in possessions, which will get tested this evening against a team that thrives on tempo.

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Defensively, WVU ranks among the national leaders, allowing just 63.1 points per game. The Mountaineers will have to limit transition opportunities and keep Arizona State out of rhythm before the Sun Devils can build momentum.

Offensively, Honor Huff continues to be one of the most dangerous perimeter shooters in the country, while Treysen Eaglestaff’s recent surge has given the Mountaineers another dependable scoring option. Inside, Harlan Obioha provides a physical presence that can test the Sun Devils’ frontcourt, particularly if the Mountaineers are able to play through him without foul trouble becoming an issue.

This is West Virginia’s first game in Arizona since the 2008 NCAA Sweet 16 in Phoenix. The Mountaineers and Sun Devils met last season in Morgantown, where Arizona State left with a 65-57 win.

With a trip to Tucson looming on Saturday to face top-ranked Arizona, this game is West Virginia’s most realistic opportunity to come away with win on this road swing.

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By the Numbers

Probable Starters

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Series History

West Virginia and Arizona State met for the first time last season, with the Sun Devils earning a 65–57 win in Morgantown on January 12, 2025. Prior to that meeting, the programs had not faced each other in regular-season or postseason play.

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley has faced West Virginia once before outside of the series, when his Buffalo team fell to the Mountaineers in the first round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament in Columbus, Ohio.

Prediction

Arizona State is a slight favorite at home, but the line reflects how thin the margin really is. West Virginia’s edge comes down to control. When the Mountaineers can control the pace and defend without giving up transition points, they’ve been steady. Arizona State will get buckets, but if WVU avoids turnovers and doesn’t let the pace spiral, the matchup stays on their terms. In a tight game that lives possession to possession, West Virginia’s ability to get stops late will give them a path to steal this one before heading to Tucson.

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West Virginia 74, Arizona State 72

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