Preview: Cincinnati at Arizona State

by Ryan Roberts January 24, 2026

After a humbling 77–51 loss at No. 1 Arizona on Wednesday, Cincinnati (10-9, 2-4 Big 12) closes out its two-game Arizona road swing Saturday night against Arizona State. From a Bearcats perspective, this is a classic response game — an opportunity to reassert identity, lean into elite defense, and avoid letting one rough night snowball as Big 12 play grinds on.

(Photo: Arizona State Athletics)

Cincinnati enters the matchup still owning one of the nation’s most reliable defensive profiles. The Bearcats allow just 66.7 points per game, ranking eighth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency (KenPom). Even after the Arizona loss, this remains a team that consistently dictates pace, protects the paint, and forces opponents to work deep into the shot clock.

Arizona State, meanwhile, is 10–9 overall and 1–5 in Big 12 play under 11th-year head coach Bobby Hurley. The Sun Devils are coming off a 75–63 home loss to West Virginia, a game that mirrored much of their season — solid guard play, competitive effort, but struggles to consistently close games.

This matchup pits Cincinnati’s grind-it-out, defense-first approach against an Arizona State team that averages 79.5 points per game and leans heavily on guard creation and free-throw production.

Cincinnati’s Defensive Identity

What separates Cincinnati from most teams in the country is not just points allowed, but how those points are prevented.

Non-steal turnover percentage: 4th nationally (10.2%)
Opponent offensive rebounding percentage: 13th nationally (25.3%)
Block percentage: 30th nationally (13.6%)
Opponents’ time of possession: 17.8 seconds per trip (272nd nationally)

Cincinnati forces opponents to play slower, take tougher shots, and earn every rebound. In the Big 12, the Bearcats rank top-five in scoring defense, turnovers forced, turnover margin, assists, blocks, and defensive rebounds.

Against Arizona State — a team that averages nearly 80 points and gets to the line frequently — that defensive discipline will be tested immediately.

Baba Miller has been one of the most impactful forwards in the country, not just the Big 12.

10.5 rebounds per game (10th nationally)
8.06 defensive rebounds per game (4th nationally, 1st Big 12)
8 double-doubles this season (22nd nationally)
30.1% defensive rebounding percentage (5th nationally)

Miller was named to the Big 12 Starting Five earlier this week after averaging 16.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks in wins over Colorado and No. 2 Iowa State. His ability to clean the glass, protect the rim, and initiate offense will be central against Arizona State’s frontcourt.

Players to Know

Moe Odum (Sr., G)

Everything runs through Odum.

16.4 points, 6.5 assists per game
18th nationally in total assists (124)
5+ assists in 16 of 19 games
One of only three players nationally averaging 16.4+ points and 6.5+ assists

Odum is elite as a passer and dangerous as a scorer, particularly when he gets downhill or draws fouls. Cincinnati’s ability to contain him without overhelping will likely decide the game.

Massamba Diop (Fr., C)

Diop has been a consistent interior presence:

14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds per game
Shooting 64% from the field
Adds rim protection with 34 blocks

His efficiency around the rim makes Cincinnati’s interior defense — and Miller’s rebounding — especially important.

Anthony “Pig” Johnson (Sr., G)

One of the nation’s best sixth men:

13.8 points per game in just 23.7 minutes
10+ points in 14 of 19 games
Team leader in free-throw attempts (120)

Johnson brings energy, physicality, and constant pressure. Cincinnati will need to stay disciplined to avoid putting him on the line. He had a stretch earlier this season where he made 25 consecutive free throws.

What Cincinnati Needs to Do to Win

1. Reassert Defensive Control Early
Arizona State thrives when games become free-flowing and guard-driven. Cincinnati must slow the tempo, force long possessions, and keep Odum out of rhythm. Making ASU operate late in the shot clock favors the Bearcats.

2. Win the Glass
Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best in defensive rebounding, while Arizona State averages just 33.4 rebounds per game. Limiting second chances and finishing possessions is critical, especially against Diop.

3. Defend Without Fouling
The Sun Devils average 18.1 free throws per game, led by Johnson and Odum. Cincinnati’s physical defense must stay vertical and disciplined to avoid gifting easy points.

4. Generate Offense Through Ball Movement
Cincinnati ranks second in the Big 12 in 3-point attempts per game (27.7) and fourth in assists (16.8). Against an ASU defense allowing 80.4 points per game, good spacing and quick decisions can open clean looks.

5. Bounce Back Mentally
Wednesday was an outlier performance. The Bearcats don’t need perfection — they need poise. Responding with toughness and composure on the road will say a lot about this group.

Final Thoughts

This is a pivotal moment early in Big 12 play for Cincinnati. The loss at Arizona stung, but it doesn’t define the season — the response does. Against an Arizona State team searching for momentum, the Bearcats have a clear edge defensively and on the glass.

If Cincinnati turns this into a half-court battle, controls rebounds, and limits Arizona State’s trips to the free-throw line, it has a strong chance to leave Tempe with a road win. Expect a physical, gritty game — exactly the kind Cincinnati prefers — and one that could serve as a reset point moving forward.