Arizona State vs Florida: 2024-25 College basketball game preview, TV schedule

Arizona State and Florida matchup for Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta; will the Gators continue an unbeaten start to the season or do the Sun Devils score a fantastic victory far from home?

TV schedule: Saturday, December 14, 3:30 pm ET. SECN

Arena: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia

Overall, the progress at Arizona State (8-1) hasn’t exactly been overwhelming during Bobby Hurley’s tenure with the school. The Sun Devils have had high moments in recent years but lack postseason success and drew the difficult test of joining the Big 12 this season. However, they’ve look great in the opening month, with that lone loss a tough battle to Gonzaga while boasting solid wins over Grand Canyon, New Mexico, and Saint Mary’s.

The Sun Devils are leaning heavily on Top 25 prospect Joson Sanon (15.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg), with the talented freshman guard really producing in his first taste of collegiate action, including 54% from outside the arc. After outstanding work at Ball State, senior forward Basheer Jihad (13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg) is another new face in this lineup that’s producing at a high level. Another mid-major addition, BJ Freeman (12.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg) was a high-level scorer at Milwaukee and is getting buckets for Arizona State just the same.

Arizona State is just 53rd in KenPom, though they’re up to 35th in the NET rankings. Aside from a putrid showing in the season opener against Idaho State, the offense has produced at a relatively high level, and the 3-pointers have really fallen in the last two weeks. Hurley’s team was just 14-18 last season and had major issues but he’s found some significant talent that’s getting the job done before league play.

With their unbeaten record, Florida (9-0) has certainly passed all of the early challenges and looks like a top contender in the SEC. The schedule isn’t as tough as some other top-level teams, with their best wins coming over Florida State, Virginia, and Wake Forest, but the Gators have looked good, especially on the offensive side.

They’re missing a piece or two they thought they’d have this season, but nothing has stopped Walter Clayton Jr. (18.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.8 apg) in beginning another standout campaign, leading the Gators into this prime position. Joining the fun this year is Alijah Martin (15.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg), a junior guard who was a major part of recent success for Florida Atlantic who has really shined recently for the Gators. Even with Micah Handlogten missing this season, Florida is getting great run out of sophomore forward Alex Condon (13.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg) as well as a few other names in the frontcourt.

This hot start has Florida up to #9 in the AP Top 25 while sitting 8th in both KenPom and the NET rankings. There are few complaints through their first nine games, with plenty of praise for one of the most efficient offenses in the nation. This team has made the shots they’ve needed to make, defended the ball well and have won every game they’ve played so far by double digits at least.

The trip is shorter for the Gators, though you can bet the Sun Devils are coming to play in Atlanta. They gave Gonzaga a significant challenge just over a month ago and have the talent to compete with this strong Florida squad. A big key is for this defense to get stops and prevent second chances, a big reason they beat Saint Mary’s despite the Gaels shooting well from outside the arc.

Even though they’re unbeaten, Florida hasn’t really been tested and certainly isn’t invulnerable even with those big wins in the past weeks. They’ll need the offense to continue playing smart basketball, with this being a prime opportunity for Clayton and/or Martin to shine on offense. It’s a big opportunity for Sanon against a strong defense, though we’re giving the nod to the Gators in a game that might be far closer than people expect.

Prediction: Florida 80, Arizona State 76