MAUI – Arizona State Men’s Basketball advanced to the 2025 Southwest Maui Invitational Championship Game thanks to a 100-94 defeat of Washington State on Tuesday night.
The Sun Devils (6-1) bounced back and had plenty of juice despite having the latest game of the previous day. They put 100 points up on Washington State (3-4) to clinch a spot in the Maui Invitational Finals. It was an offensive explosion with many cylinders firing, as Head Coach Bobby Hurley's team shot 58.9% from the field. ASU is 51-6 (.895) when it shoots 50 percent from the field under Bobby Hurley
Less than 24 hours after capturing the attention of the entire college basketball universe with a 36-point masterpiece, senior point guard Moe Odum had more in store. He backed that up with 26 points and five assists, finishing 6-of-9 from the field including an incredible 5-for-7 from behind the arc. After nailing all nine of his attempts from the line tonight, Odum is now 25-for-27 (92.6%) from the charity stripe over his past two games.
Odum was not alone in contributing towards the triple digit mark. Backcourt mate junior guard Bryce Ford poured in 18 points and collected three rebounds in 28 minutes. He showed another aspect to his game, finishing a perfect 5-for-5 from inside the arc. The guard trio that includes senior Anthony "Pig" Johnson has been hard for opponents to stop. Johnson had his sixth double-digit effort of the season off the bench, finishing with 13 points and some clutch free throws down the stretch.
Freshman center Massamba Diop rebounded from a game in which he battled foul trouble, putting together a brilliant performance in the victory. He was active on both ends of the floor, contributing in many ways to help his team win. Diop finished with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 29 minutes. A big reason why ASU was able to overcome a career scoring output from Washington State guard Ace Glass III was their bench production. The bench continues their strong play, contributing 31 points compared to 24 from their opponent.
Arizona State moves on to play USC later today, scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. MST tip-off with live coverage on ESPN. It is ASU's first appearance in the finals of the Maui Invitational since 1994, when the Sun Devils won their lone Maui Invitational Championship.
Arizona State defeats Washington State to advance to Maui Invitational Finals
The Sun Devils erased a 12-point second half deficit to make the Maui Championship game for the first time since 1994.
Bryce Ford shoots a jumper in the win over Washington State at the Maui Invitational
Series history
Arizona State and Washington State matched up for the 91st time, with the Sun Devils extending their series lead to 49-42. ASU is now 3-0 against WSU at neutral sites. Bobby Hurley is 7-3 over his last 10 games against the Cougars.
History at the Maui Invitational
The 2025 Maui Invitational is Arizona State's 6th appearance in the tournament (1991, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2007), compiling a 11-6 record during those visits, including winning the 1994 Maui Invitational with Bill Frieder as head coach in which standout power forward Mario Bennett received tournament MVP honors. During their most recent visit to Maui in 2007, NBA star James Harden led the Sun Devils to a 2-1 record where then freshman guard averaged 17 points/game.
Led by 1992 Maui Invitational co-MVP, Bobby Hurley, the Sun Devils will be one of the tournament's predominant storylines. Coach Hurley will be only the third head coach to lead a team in Maui after winning the Tournament's MVP honors during their playing career (Penny Hardaway/Steve Wojciechowski).
Sun Devil Maui Invitational quick facts
Total Appearances: 6
All-Time Record: 11-6
Best Finish: 1994 (Tournament Champions)
Appearances by Arizona State in Maui Invitational (6)
2025
2-0
W - Washington State
W - Texas
2007
2-1 (5th place)
L Illinois
W Princeton
W LSU
2002
2-1 (5th place)
L No. 17 Kentucky
W Chaminade
W Utah
1998
1-2 (7th place)
L No. 9 Utah
L Kansas State
W Chaminade
1994
3-0 (Tournament champions)
W Texas A&M
W No. 13 Michigan
W No. 7 Maryland
1991
1-2 (6th place)
L Rice
W Lamar
L Minnesota
FINALS BOUND 😈@SunDevilHoops advances to the Maui Invitational Championship Game 🔱 pic.twitter.com/VZVZxsjpco
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) November 26, 2025
6-1 start
The Sun Devils have started 6-1 for the second consecutive season. It is their fifth 6-1 start in the Bobby Hurley era.
Previous neutral sites non-conference tournament championships
Sun Devil Men's Basketball is looking for their fifth non-conference tournament championship in the Bobby Hurley era. ASU also won the 2024 Acrisure Classic, the 2022 Legends Classic, 2018 MGM Resorts Title, and the 2017 Continental Tire Invitational. If Arizona State wins in Maui, it would be the third time in the past four years they have won a non-conference tournament championship.
2025 Maui Invitational
ASU 87, Texas 86 (Nov. 24, 2025) - Maui Invitational First Round (Maui, Hawai'i)
ASU 100, Washington State 94 (Nov. 25, 2025) Maui Invitational Second Round (Maui, Hawai'i)
2024 Acrisure Classic Champions
ASU 68, Saint Mary's 64 (Nov. 29, 2024) -- Palm Springs
ASU 85, New Mexico 82 (Nov. 28, 2024) -- Palm Springs
2022 Legends Classic
ASU 87, #20 Michigan 62 (Nov. 17, 2022) -- Barclays Center, Brooklyn
ASU 63, VCU 59 (Nov. 16, 2022) -- Barclays Center, Brooklyn
2018 MGM Resorts Title
ASU 87, Utah State 82 (Nov. 21, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)
ASU 72, #15 Mississippi State 67 (Nov. 20, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)
2017 Continental Tire Invitational
ASU 102, #15 Xavier 86 (Nov. 24, 2017 at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas)
ASU 92, Kansas State 90 (Nov. 23, 2017 at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas)
Neutralizing the opponent
Arizona State continued their success under Bobby Hurley in regular season games at neutral sites. They picked up their first two wins of the 2025-26 campaign in a neutral setting in Maui and are now 7-1 over the past two seasons in such games after going 5-1 during the 2024-25. The five neutral site wins during the regular season last year were a new program record.
The Sun Devils defeated four teams that won 20+ games in neutral settings in 2024-25 (Saint Mary's, Grand Canyon, Santa Clara, New Mexico). Three were 2025 NCAA Tournament participants. They have already knocked off a pair of 2025 Postseason teams (Texas, Washington State) under those same circumstances this season. ASU has won 20 games overall under Hurley in neutral site regular season games. That includes past wins over Texas, NC State, Kansas State, St. John's, Mississippi State, Xavier, Michigan, Utah State, New Mexico, Saint Mary's, Creighton, Washington State, Santa Clara, and UMass.
2025-26 (2-0)
ASU 87, Texas 86 (Nov. 24, 2025) - Maui Invitational First Round (Maui, Hawai'i)
ASU 100, Washington State 94 (Nov. 25, 2025) Maui Invitational Second Round (Maui, Hawai'i)
2024-25 (5-1)
ASU 78, UMass 62 (Dec. 21, 2024) - MGM Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame Classic (Springfield, MA)
Florida 83, ASU 66 (Dec. 14, 2024) - Holiday Hoopsgiving at State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA)
ASU 68, Saint Mary's 64 (Nov. 29, 2024) - Acrisure Series (Palm Desert, CA)
ASU 85, New Mexico (Nov. 28, 2024) - Acrisure Series (Palm Desert, CA)
ASU 87 vs. Grand Canyon 76 (Nov. 14, 2024) - Hall off Fame Series at Footprint Center (Phoenix, AZ)
ASU 81, Santa Clara 74 (Nov. 8, 2024) - Hoopfest at Lee's Family Forum (Las Vegas, NV)
Bench boost
Arizona State's bench had the advantage yet again. After a 31-24 edge in bench points tonight, the Sun Devils now hold a 183-121 (+62) advantage in bench points this season. They have outscored their opponent in the category in five of six games (all five wins). Johnson (13 points) led the way with his sixth double-digit scoring output this season. Noah Meesuen added a season-high eight points and three rebounds, while Allen Mukeba finished with nine points and four rebounds while adding a block in 16 minutes.
The 31-24 advantage for Arizona State is even more important considering it was an area that Washington State exploited in their opening-round win over Chaminade. The Cougars outscored the Silver Swords bench 67-23, but were unable to match the production of the Sun Devils' unit.
The Moe Show
Moe Odum is on an incredible offensive tear right now. In two Maui Invitational games, he is averaging 31 points, finishing with 26+ in each contest. If you go back a little further, Odum is averaging 25.3 points over his past four games and he has registered three of his top-six highest career scoring performances.
Moe Odum's highest career scoring games
- 36 pts with ASU 11/24/25 against Texas
- 31 pts with Pepperdine 3/7/25 against Portland
- 26 pts with ASU 11/25/25 against Washington State
- 26 pts with Pepperdine 2/22/25 against Loyola Marymount
- 24 pts with Pepperdine 12/30/24 against Gonzaga
- 24 pts with ASU 11/17/25 against Georgia State
- 22 pts with Pacific 3/2/23 against Pepperdine
- 21 pts with Pacific 1/18/24 against Santa Clara
Getting to the line
The Sun Devils attempted 29 free throws, the third consecutive game they have finished with 29+ attempts from the stripe (37 at Hawai'i). ASU had only four instances in which they attempted 29 or more free throws in 33 games last year and have already accomplished the feat three through only seven games this year.
Moe Odum has been the driving force behind the increased free throw frequency. Over his past two games, he is 25-for-27 at the line, after finishing 9-for-9 tonight. Following a game in which they drew a combined 15 fouls against Texas, Pig Johnson (8) and Moe Odum (5) combined to force 13 opposing fouls which led to a 16-for-20 (80%) free-throw effort.
Second half scoring
Arizona State scored 58 points in the second half after scoring 48 in the win over Hawai'i in the previous game. They are averaging 49.0 points in the second half in their past four games and have eclipsed 40 points in each.
Don't count us out
The Sun Devils have come back to win a game when trailing at halftime 50 times during the Bobby Hurley era. The Washington State win was the third time that has happened this season (all in last four games). Since 2015-16, the Maroon and Gold are in the top 40 in the nation in halftime comeback victories. Here is the full list of comebacks.
It's a real honor to get an opportunity to play for a championship tomorrow in such a prestigious event. Just proud of my guys
Coach Hurley on advancing to the finalsNotables
- ASU is 51-6 (.895) when it shoots 50 percent from the field under Bobby Hurley
- The Sun Devils are in the midst of fantastic stretch of offensive basketball. Over their past three games, ASU is averaging 90.0 points after hitting triple digits for the first time
- Coach Hurley's squad has scored at least 80 points in five of their seven games
- The 100 points are the most in a win by the Sun Devils since 11/29/20 vs Houston Baptist
- Arizona State's starting backcourt of Moe Odum and Bryce Ford combined to score 54 points on 13-of-20 (65%) shooting from the field and 7-of-13 (53.8%) from deep.
- The Sun Devils were in an incredible rhythm offensively after the break, shooting at a 64.3% clip (18-of-28). That included a 6-of-11 mark from behind the arc.
- By contrast, Washington State shot 44.4% (12-of-27) in the second half after finishing at 60.7% (17-of-28) in the first.
- Bryce Ford continues to make a name for himself during the trip to Hawai'i. After finishing with a career-high 20 points in the win over Hawai'i on Nov. 20, Ford followed that up with 18 points in the win tonight. He was a perfect 5-for-5 on shots from inside the arc. He is now shooting 50% (27-of-54) from the field this season. Ford already has four games with 10+ points through seven games after finishing with only 12 in 33 games at Toledo last year.
- After finishing with 25 points on 7-of-12 shooting from deep in their opening round win over Chaminade, Arizona State held Washington State forward Rihards Vavers to only nine points on 3-of-7 shooting from deep
- A point of emphasis for the Sun Devils was points in the paint after Texas had a 46-30 edge last night. The category went in favor of the Maroon and Gold tonight, 34-26.
- ASU turned 11 Washington State turnovers in 18 points
- Arizona State defeats Washington State for the first time since Coach Hurley earned one of his 13th ranked wins over the No. 21 ranked Cougars back in 2024 when both teams were in the Pac-12
- ASU went 23-of-29 (79.3%) from the free-throw line in the win. It is the second straight game in which they have finished at 78% or better despite frequent visits. ASU only had one game with 29+ free throw attempts last year in which they shot 78% or better and have already done so twice this year.
- The Sun Devils had the advantage in rebounds (29-26) and assists (12-11)
- After a 13-point effort in the win, Pig Johnson has six double-digit scoring efforts as a reserve. He shot 11 free throws and drew eight fouls.
- Arizona State made a new season-high 11 three pointers.
- Massamba Diop made a major impact on both ends of the court, finishing with his six double-digit scoring output of the season. He added two blocks to give him a team-best 10 on the year while only committing two personal fouls.
- ASU's nine-man rotation did not see a player record more than 30 minutes of action, which should bode well with the quick turnaround of tomorrow's championship game.
First halfWe hear you, Sun Devil Nation 🔊 pic.twitter.com/zX7xuTy0I3
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) November 26, 2025
Both teams came out firing early, with the energy of a championship game berth apparent. ASU answered an early 9-0 spurt by WSU with a 14-0 run of their own, as both teams looked to establish their style early. It was more of the same early on for Moe Odum, as he continued his dominance from the previous night. Massamba Diop also got off to a strong start, converting on a few of his paint touches.
Early on, the Cougars could not miss from beyond the arc. That did not deter the Sun Devils, who weathered the hot-shooting from their opponents. They did this behind the strength of Bryce Ford, who got involved in the offense with several successful drives to the basket. Noah Meeusen and Pig Johnson provided a major spark off the bench, keeping the Sun Devils within striking distance. Washington State guard Ace Glass III beat the buzzer with a three to give Washington State a 48-42 lead at the break.
Second half
In similar fashion to the first half, Washington State opened the period as the aggressor, accounting for the first six points to extend their lead to 12. An immediate response was needed - and provided via five quick points - by the backcourt duo of Odum and Ford. Despite several attempts to chip away at the lead, the Cougars remained slightly out of reach with a 7-9 point up until the midway point of the second half.
Late in the game, Arizona State's physicality and offensive firepower wore down Washington State. The Cougars could not handle the quickness and shot-making ability of Odum, who was dialed in from behind the arc while getting to the free-throw line at will. Contributions from forwards Allen Mukeba, Andrija Grbovic, and Santiago Trouet down the stretch were critical to the Sun Devils finally getting over the hump. After a Bryce Ford cut the lead to 62-56 with 14:38 left, it was all Sun Devils, as they outscored the Cougars by 12-points in the most important part of the game. With the game still in the balance, Pig Johnson stepped up to make critical free throws to seal the Arizona State victory and send them to the finals.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Washington State Cougars Postgame Press Conference, Nov. 25, 2025
Quotables
Arizona State Head Coach Bobby Hurley
Opening statement
“It's a real honor to get an opportunity to play for a championship tomorrow in such a prestigious event. Just proud of my guys. As everyone saw last night, we had a war with Texas. That was a really hard game, physical game and a quick turnaround. I thought Washington State played very well. Give them credit."
On the performance of his backcourt
"I think you get rewarded for the work you put in and both of those guys (Moe Odum and Bryce Ford) are two of our hardest workers. They're the guys that are staying after practice, getting shots. They're coming back later to work on their game again. Bryce, he was never handed anything. Coming into it, I wasn't sure what his role was, but he won his role like in practice and workouts. He was a standout all summer and preseason just like Moe. Those two guys were front and center, day in and day out. I don't think Bryce missed a practice or workout. Just you could depend on him so you can count on guys like that."
On playing schools from the old Pac-12
"We love it. That's why I've gone out of my way in non-conference scheduling to address that. We signed up to play UCLA on the road this year. They'll return the game next year. The same thing with Oregon State. We're going to play a home game versus Oregon State in December and return the game the next year. We want to maintain those relationships."
Senior guard Moe Odum
On coming back from 12 points down in the second half
“Yeah, one thing I ask of my team before every game is to control your energy and effort. If that's at the highest, everything else is just basketball. Everything else is 50/50. But our controllables, our energy and effort, we've got to keep that the highest it can be."
Bryce Ford
On coming back to play for his hometown school
"It's a blessing. Coming here I knew I could trust Coach Hurley and I knew coming back home I was going to feel more comfortable and be closer to family and overall more comfortable state I feel, but overall it's been a blessing."
Full transcription of press conference in PDF format
Up next
Sun Devil Men's Basketball will have an even quicker turnaround, as they continue play in the Maui Invitational. Arizona State will take on USC in the championship game on Nov. 26 at 12:30 p.m. MST. The broadcast can be found on ESPN with the game also available on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (KMVP).
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Head coach Bobby Hurley (X: @BobbyHurley11)