Sun Devils Pull Off the Upset Over #14 Kansas

On Senior Night for Arizona State, the Sun Devils pulled off one of biggest upsets in the Bobby Hurley era. The Arizona State Sun Devils delivered one of the most compelling performances of their season — and perhaps one of the biggest upsets across the college basketball landscape — by defeating the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks 70-60 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona.

This wasn’t just any win. Coming late in the Big 12 season, with NCAA Tournament positioning on the line and Kansas still ranked among the country’s top teams, Arizona State’s victory resonated far beyond the final horn.

Sun Devils Take Charge Early

Arizona State raced out to an early lead and never really looked back. The Sun Devils established a 20-point advantage by halftime, forcing Kansas to play catch-up from the opening minutes.

Junior guard Moe Odum led the charge, scoring 23 points, hitting five three-pointers, and effectively controlling the flow of the game on both ends of the floor. Forward Massamba Diop added a powerful 19 points and nine rebounds, giving ASU the physical presence needed to assert control. 

Defensively, Arizona State held Kansas to just 60 points on 29.2 % shooting, showcasing intense pressure and discipline — especially in forcing 17 turnovers — that kept the Jayhawks on their heels throughout the contest.

Drama, Drama, Drama

The game also carried its share of drama. Kansas head coach Bill Self was ejected in the first half after receiving two technical fouls, shifting momentum further in ASU’s favor and adding an emotional layer to an already heated matchup. Another technical was given to a Kansas assistant, and tensions boiled over on several occasions.

Kansas did fight back in spurts, including a 17-1 run that cut deep into the deficit and made it a four-point game at one point, but ASU answered with another surge that sealed the win.

ASU Meaning

For Arizona State, this victory was a statement — not only for the current season but also in the broader context of Coach Bobby Hurley’s tenure. With Hurley in the final year of his contract and no announced extension, fans and analysts have wondered if this might be one of his last defining moments at the program’s helm.

The win improved their overall record to 16-14 and 7-10 in Big 12 play, giving the Sun Devils momentum heading into the business end of the season. It was also a rare marquee victory — their second over a ranked opponent this year — which could bolster their postseason résumé and attract attention from Selection Sunday voters.

Additionally, Arizona State’s dominance at home continued. They are now 5-0 all time against Kansas in Tempe, and the way they controlled this contest — particularly in the first half — underscored their ability to compete with elite teams when they play with intensity and rhythm.

Kansas setback not catastrophic

For Kansas, a program accustomed to deep postseason runs, this loss represented a setback at a critical juncture. The Jayhawks dropped to 21-9 overall and 11-6 in Big 12 play. While still in decent position overall, losing consecutive games — particularly to a team ranked outside the Top 25 — will raise questions about consistency and poise.

Offensively, Kansas struggled mightily, shooting poorly from the field and failing to make enough shots when it mattered most. Darryn Peterson, while productive, struggled with efficiency, and the Jayhawks’ inability to capitalize on late chances ultimately proved decisive.

Both Programs Future

As the Big 12 Conference tournament and NCAA Tournament loom, this matchup perfectly encapsulates the volatility and drama of late-season college basketball. Arizona State will hope to ride the confidence from a signature win into tougher road tests, while Kansas seeks to shore up its identity before postseason brackets are finalized.

Given how the Sun Devils controlled a Top 15 team and how Kansas sputtered in clutch moments, the narrative from this game will follow both programs — a thrilling snapshot of March college basketball in 2026. 

Michael J. Wilson-The Daily Waiver

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