Dominant defensive effort helps Men's Basketball take down No. 14 Kansas

In a fitting ending to his Desert Financial Arena career, guard Moe Odum went out in style, delivering a vintage performance that Sun Devil fans became accustomed to seeing in 2025-26. On Senior Night, Odum proved once again to be arguably the best player on a court full of potential future NBA Draft Lottery picks. He controlled the game by scoring 23 points and dishing out 6 assists, finishing 5-of-10 from behind the arc. Odum is two assists shy of moving into the Top-5 in single-season program history (176 assists). 

During a night typically reserved to honor the Senior class, it was a freshman that ended up stealing the show in the Arizona State and Kansas matchup. No, it was not the Preseason All-American, Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft Kansas guard Darryn Peterson in reference. It was Sun Devil freshman center Massamba Diop who proved to be the best freshman and arguably best player on a court filled with elite talent. Diop finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds, thriving in a matchup with All-American candidate Flory Bidunga. In a showdown of the two-best shot blockers in the Big 12, Diop finished with three blocks compared to Bidunga's two. Diop broke the program's freshman single-season blocks record (65) in the process.

Odum and Diop were far from the only two contributors to the critical victory over the Jayhawks. Senior guard Anthony "Pig" Johnson provided his usual boost off the bench, finishing with 9 points, seven rebounds, and was 4-of-4 from the line. He had his 13th game with two or more steals this season. Redshirt sophomore Santiago Trouet was active all evening, finishing with seven points and eight boards. Bryce Ford was a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line. All eight Sun Devils that saw playing time served vital roles in limiting the Kansas offense to their worst FG% (29.2%) in a regular season game since Dec. 1, 2020 (vs No. 20 Kentucky). 

The Sun Devils look to extend their two game win streak and make it five wins in seven games when they travel to take on No. 6 Iowa State on Saturday, March 7 at 12 PM MST. Watch on FS1 and listen on ESPN 620 AM (KTAR).

Ranked wins under Hurley
Sun Devil Men's Basketball now has 15 wins over ranked teams in 11 years of the Bobby Hurley era. That includes nine victories over Top-15 teams, five of which have come at home. This is the ninth time Hurley has beaten a Top-25 team at home and first time since he has defeated two Top-15 teams in the same season since the 2018-19 season. He has done it three times during his tenure in Tempe, also accomplishing the feat during the 2017-18 season. Here is a full list of the ranked wins in program history.

Series history
Arizona State moves to 5-0 against Kansas in Tempe and retakes the series lead, with the Sun Devils now holding a 7-6 advantage. Arizona State has three of the four overall meetings between the sides in the Bobby Hurley era. This is the first time that the Sun Devils have defeated the Jayhawks as members of the Big 12 Conference. ASU has defeated a Top-15 Kansas squad by double-digits twice (95-85 win over No. 2 Kansas in 2017).

SPARKY TAKES DOWN NO.14 KANSAS 😈 pic.twitter.com/WTBSdjyn1x

— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) March 4, 2026

Magic number
The Sun Devils held the Jayhawks to only 60 points, moving them to 10-0 on the season when allowing 70 or less to an opponent. This is only the THIRD TIME all season Utah has been held to 60 points or less. The other two teams to do it are in the Top-10 (No. 4 UConn and No. 6 Iowa State). It is the fewest points scored by Kansas against an unranked opponent since scoring 54 in a win over Cincinnati on 1/11/25. Meanwhile, Arizona State has scored 70 or more points in 27 of 30 games this season. 

Defense on Darryn
Arizona State held future NBA Lottery Pick Darryn Peterson to a season-low 16.6% from the field and tied for the fewest shots made in a game this season, shooting 3-of-18 from the field. Additionally, the Sun Devils forced Peterson to have three turnovers and four fouls.

Fewest points by Darryn Peterson in 2025-26
10 Points vs. Iowa State (2/14/26)
14 points vs. Houston (2/23/26)
14 points vs. Utah (2/7/26)
15 points vs. Arizona State (3/3/26)
16 points vs. Colorado (1/20/26)
16 points vs. Iowa State (1/13/26)

Worst FG% by Darryn Peterson in 2025-26
3/18 - 16.7% at Arizona State (3/3)
3/10 - 30% at Iowa State (2/14)
6/17 - 35.3% at West Virginia (1/10)
5/14 - 35.7% vs. Houston - (2/23)
5/14 - 35.7% at Texas Tech - (2/2)

Jayhawks in jail
Kansas had their worst shooting performance of the season, finishing just 21-of-72 (29.2%) from the field. It is their lowest FG% in a regular season game since Dec. 1, 2020 vs No. 20 Kentucky.

Lowest FG% by Kansas in 2025-26
.292 vs. Arizona State (3/3/26)
.338 vs Arizona (2/28/26)
.353 vs. UConn (12/02/25)
.373 vs. Iowa State (2/14/26)
.406 vs. Arizona (2/09/26)

Mo(e)mentum
Known nationally for his passing, Moe Odum is proving he can be one of the best all-around players in the Big 12 as well. Odum came into the game one of only three players in the nation averaging 17.2+ points, 5.9+ assists, 3.0+ rebounds, and 1.4+ steals per game (Boopie Miller, SMU; Jaylin Henderson, Portland State). He was Top-20 in the Big 12 in points, assists, three-pointers made, free throws made, FT%, and minutes per game. He only improved upon most of those numbers today, finishing with 23 points, four rebounds, and six assists. He has at least 10+ points in 27 of 30 games this season and 11 20-point performances. Through 30 games, he has already registered 11 of his 15-best career scoring performances.

Moe Odum's highest career scoring games

Odum also continues to move up the single-season assist list in the program record book. With six assists today, his 176 assists this season are the seventh-most in program history. He needs two more assists to crack the Top-5, which would give him the best passing season since Ahlon Lewis set the program record with 294 assists in 1998. Odum's 176 assists are the most by a Sun Devil since Jahii Carson had 177 in 2012-13. 

Sun Devil single-season assists record (1972-73 to present)
294 – Ahlon Lewis, 1998
233 – Marcell Capers, 1995
200 – Marcell Capers, 1993
185 – Mike Redhair, 1990
177 – Jahii Carson, 2013
177 – Lynn Collins, 1992
176 - Moe Odum, 2026
162 – Derek Glasser, 2009
158 – Derek Glasser, 2010
156 – Lynn Collins, 1991
153 – Jahii Carson, 2014

With his 5-of-10 effort from behind the arc, Odum now has 17 games with three or more made threes. This was his fourth time this season he hit five or more triples. He has now made 87 three-pointers this season, which is the sixth-most in program history. It is the most triples in a season since Shannon Evans III hit 95 during the 2017-18 season. He is seven made three-pointers away from cracking the Top-5 in single-season program history. Three of the top-six three-point shooting seasons by a Sun Devil have come in the Hurley era (since 2015-16)

Sun Devil single-season 3 PT FG record (1972-73 to present)
113 – Stevin Smith, 1993
108 – Torian Graham, 2017
96 – Stevin Smith, 1994
95 – Shannon Evans II, 2018
93 – Rihards Kuksiks, 2009
87 - Moe Odum, 2026
84 – Jonathan Gilling, 2013
83 – Alex Austin, 1990
82 – Desmond Cambridge, 2023
82 – Jermaine Marshall, 2014
81 – Rihards Kuksiks, 2010
81 – Kevin Kruger, 2006

Getting to the line
In 33 games last season, ASU had only five instances in which they attempted 27 or more free throws. They have accomplished the feat nine times through 30 games this year. This was the sixth time this season ASU had 30 or more free throw attemps. By contrast, it was only the second time an opponent has shot 30 or more free throws against Kansas in 2025-26.

Bench boost
A key to Arizona State’s season has been the success of its bench unit. That was no different today, as the three-man unit of guards Bryce Ford and Pig Johnson, along with forward Allen Mukeba, made their presence felt against the Jayhawks' reserves. ASU has now outscored or tied their opponent off the bench in 22 of 30 games (15-7 record). Three of the seven losses when winning the bench battle were to Top-10 teams (No. 1 Arizona and No. 7 Houston). ASU’s bench won the battle over Kansas, 17-5, and now holds a 714-537 (+177) advantage in points this season. 

 

 

 

 

 

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He will block you
Massamba Diop is establishing himself as one of the premier defenders in the entire conference. His 46 blocks in Big 12 play are the second-most of any Big 12 player (Flory Bidunga, Kansas). Diop has 19 games with two or more blocks this season, including 11 of his last 12 games. He had three blocks in the victory, the 11th time he has finished with 3+ rejections in a game this season. Eight of those have come in Big 12 play. Over the past 12 games, he has been credited with 33 blocks (2.8 blocks per game). 

Diop now has 65 blocks in 30 games on the season. He came into the game ranking 20th nationally and 2nd in the Big 12 in the category and will only move up after today's effort. He was third among all freshman nationally in blocked shots and set the new program record for most blocked shots by a freshman. He broke Jayden Quaintance's mark set last season.

Single-season blocks by a Sun Devil freshmen
65, Massamba Diop, 2025-26
63, Jayden Quaintance, 2024-25
55, Mario Bennett, 1991-92
33, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
31, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
29, Jalen Graham, 2019-20
24, Shawn Redhage, 1999-2000
23, Romello White, 2017-18
23, Jeff Pendergraph, 2005-06

Stop, Diop, and Roll
Diop stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and an assist in 35 minutes of action. He even made two three-point attempts, his third game with at least two makes from distance. Diop now has 10+ points in 25 of 30 games this season. He is second on the team in points (13.9) and first in rebounds (6.0), producing at that level in only 29.5 minutes per game. He also has a team-high 65 blocks and is fifth on the team with 20 steals, doing all this while committing only 59 personal fouls through 30 games. He has 15 games with at least one steal and 26 games with at least one block. 

When Pigs fly
Senior guard Anthony "Pig" Johnson has emerged as one of the nation’s best sixth men, coming off the bench to provide energy and scoring while living up to his nickname. He delivered yet again in the victory, accounting for nine points, seven rebounds, a block, and two steals. Johnson arguably made most of his impact on defense, typically getting the assignment to guard Kansas standout Darryn Peterson when in the game. Peterson was held to just 3-of-18 shooting, the worst percentage of his collegiate career so far. It was Johnson's 13th game with multiple steals, including six of his last seven games. After finishing 4-for-4 at the stripe, Johnson is now 100-of-121 (82.6%) from the free throw line over the past 20 games. He has gone from 64.6% to 77.2% from the line on the season during that stretch.

 

 

 

 

 

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First half
Massamba Diop got the Sun Devils rolling early, delivering on back-to-back baskets to give Arizona State an early 7-0 lead over Kansas. ASU continued to hold their ground on the defensive end and lead 9-3 over KU heading into the media timeout.

Diop continued to have the magic touch from beyond the arc, delivering another dagger to give the Sun Devils a nine-point lead. The Jayhawks managed to cut their deficit to four, but Moe Odum ended the run by pulling the trigger from way downtown to extend the lead to seven. ASU headed into the following media timeout up 23-16 with 7:41 remaining in the half. 

Things escalated quickly, as Kansas Head Coach Bill Self was issued an ejection from the night. Arizona State piggy-backed off that and extended their lead to 27-16 with 3:57 remaining in the first half.

Odum continued to be a threat from beyond the arc, cashing back-to-back threes to give the Sun Devils a 17-point lead. ASU headed into halftime with a confident 40-20 lead over KU. 

Second half
Kansas came out the gates to open up the second half, recording a 19-3 run to cut their deficit to four with 13:50 remaining on the clock.  

A pair of free throws from Anthony Johnson and a put-back layup by Diop eased the Jayhawks momentum, giving the Sun Devils a 47-39 lead. ASU headed into the following media timeout up 49-41 with 11:48 remaining to play. 

Odum found the back of the net for another treyball on the night, giving the Sun Devils a 54-42 lead over the Jayhawks with 11:11 remaining. An 8-0 run by Kansas followed that, leaving ASU holding onto a four point lead heading into the media timeout. 

Coming out of the media timeout, Odum let another treyball fly while being contested and got it to fall through, extending the Sun Devils lead to seven with 7:08 remaining. Anthony “Pig” Johnson stepped up with back-to-back buckets, giving ASU a 62-55 lead over KU with over three minutes left in regulation.

The momentum didn’t stop there, as Diop slammed one home off an offensive rebound to extend the Sun Devils lead to nine with under two minutes to play. Arizona State went on to take down No. 14 Kansas, 70-60.

Empty the notebook

• Kansas came into the game 139-24 (85.3%) following a loss in the Bill Self era (2003-04 to present), including 7-0 this season. ASU is the first team to hand the Jayhawks a second-consecutive loss when they have come off a defeat in the previous game this season and gives them a rare loss in the scenario under Self.
• Arizona State held Kansas to their lowest scoring half of any game this season, allowing just 20 points in the first 20 minutes.
  •  20 vs. Arizona State (Mar. 3, 2026)
  •  27 vs. Iowa State (Feb 14, 2026)
  •  28 vs. Arizona (Feb. 28, 2026)
  •  30 vs. NC State (Dec. 13, 2026)
  •  31 vs Houston (Feb. 23, 2026)
• Kansas trailed by 20 points at half, their largest deficit over any first half of a game this season. The most prior to today was an 11 point margin (28-39) in their last game at Arizona on Feb. 28, 2026.
• The Sun Devils made things difficult offensively for the Jayhawks, causing them to turn the ball over 17 times during the game.
  • The total ties Kansas’ most turnovers in a game this season (Nov. 15, 2025 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi).
  • Arizona State holds a record of 7-1 this season when forcing teams to turn the ball over 15 times or more. 
• For the first time since moving to the Big 12 Conference, the Sun Devils have won four-straight home games in league play.
• Arizona State finished 24-of-30 from the free throw line, continuing their recent success in the category. Over the past 19 games, the Sun Devils are 324-of-417 (.777) from the free-throw line. In the prior 11 games, they were just 202-of-281 (.719).
  • Arizona State held a 19-to-2 free throw advantage over Kansas in the first half.
• ASU came into the game ranked 31st nationally, averaging 4.7 blocks per game. They will only move up after a 6-block performance against No. 14 Kansas.
  • Kansas came into the game ranked 5th in the country averaging 6.0 blocks per game. They only managed to block three shots against the Sun Devils.
• Over the past four home games, Sun Devil opponents are averaging only 65.8 points per game (3-0 record). For comparison, ASU is allowing 77.9 points per game overall on the season.
• ASU held Utah to just 29.2% from the field, moving to 8-0 when holding opponents to under 40% shooting.
• Battling an ankle injury, Allen Mukeba still delivered for his team. He finished with a steal and a block, the 12th game he has had at least one of each in the same game.
  
• ASU held KU to scoreless for a 6:49 period in the first half, allowing them to build an early lead.
• Despite the Sun Devils giving up 25 offensive rebounds, the Jayhawks only scored six second-chance points.
• Sun Devil head coach Bobby Hurley is 6-5 all-time on Senior Day and defeated his first ranked opponent tonight on the final home game of a season.

Record chasing
Diop is in the Top-10 among freshmen in program history with three 20-point performances.

Sun Devil freshman 20-point games (1972-73 to present)
18, Jahii Carson, 2012-13
16, James Harden, 2007-08
12, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
9, Luguentz Dort, 2018-19
7, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
5, Steve Beck, 1983-84
4, Christian Polk, 2006-07
3, Massamba Diop, 2025-26
3, Joson Sanon, 2024-25
3, Josh Christopher, 2020-21
3, Eddie House, 1996-97
3, Ron Riley, 1992-93
3, Byron Scott, 1979-80
3, Gary Jackson, 1972-73

Diop is the new freshmen single-season record holder with 65 blocks this season.

Single-season blocks by a Sun Devil freshmen
65, Massamba Diop, 2025-26
63, Jayden Quaintance, 2024-25
55, Mario Bennett, 1991-92
33, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
31, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
29, Jalen Graham, 2019-20
24, Shawn Redhage, 1999-2000
23, Romello White, 2017-18
23, Jeff Pendergraph, 2005-06

Diop is currently having the third-best shooting season by a freshman in program history, making 57.0% of his field goals.

Single-season FG% by a Sun Devil freshman (min. 100 attempts)
.652, Romello White, 2017-18 (120-of-184)
.608, Ike Diogu, 2002-03 (209-of-344)
.570 Massamba Diop, 2025-26 (159-of-279)
.574, Mario Bennett, 1991-92 (159-of-277)
.570, Dwayne Fontana, 1990-91 (102-of-179)
.568, Eric Holloway, 1983-84 (79-of-139)
.545, Kyle Cain, 2010-11 (78-of-143)
.527, James Harden, 2007-08 (196-of-372)
.525, Jayden Quaintance, 2024-25 (93-of-177)

Diop is currently averaging 13.9 points per game, the seventh-most by a freshman in program history.

Single-season points per game by Sun Devil freshmen
19.0, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
18.5, Jahii Carson, 2012-13
17.8, James Harden, 2007-08
16.1, Luguentz Dort, 2018-19
15.4, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
14.3, Josh Christopher, 2020-21
13.9, Massamba Diop, 2025-26
13.6, Byron Scott, 1979-80
13.0, Ron Riley, 1992-93
12.6, Eddie House, 1996-97
12.5, Mario Bennett, 1991-92
12.0, Christian Polk, 2006-07
11.9, Joson Sanon, 2024-25

Diop is currently averaging 6.0 rebounds per game, the eighth-most by a freshman in program history. 

Single-season rebounds per game by a Sun Devil Freshman
7.9, Jayden Quaintance, 2024-25
7.8, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
7.1, Romello White, 2017-18
6.8, Mario Bennett, 1991-92
6.2, Marcus Bagley, 2020-21
6.2, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
6.1, Jeff Pendergraph, 2005-06
6.0, Massamba Diop, 2025-26
5.8, Johnny Nash, 1976-77
5.4, Kyle Cain, 2010-11
5.3, James Harden, 2007-08
5.2, Chris Sandle, 1984-85

Diop is seventh in program history with 65 blocks this season. He needs 11 more blocks to crack the Top-5 on the list.

Single-season blocks by a Sun Devil freshmen
133 – Jordan Bachynski, 2014
120 – Jordan Bachynski, 2013
115 – Mario Bennett, 1995
113 – Rodger Farrington, 1997
75 – Ike Diogu, 2005
69 – Tommy Smith, 2003
65 - Massamba Diop, 2026
63 – Jayden Quaintance, 2025 (ASU Freshmen Record)
60 – Warren Washington, 2023

Arizona State is currently shooting 75.4% from the free-throw line, which would tie the second-best total in program history.

Sun Devil best single-season team FT% (1972-73 to present)
75.6 – 1978
75.4 – 1955
75.4 - 2026 (502-of-668)
74.9 – 2017
74.6 – 1998
74.6 – 1987
73.9 – 2008
73.7 – 2009

Arizona State already has 141 blocks this season, the 10th-best total in program history. Four of the Top-12 shot blocking Sun Devil seasons have occured over the past five years.

Sun Devil single-season team blocks (1972-73 to present)
211 – 2013
182 – 2014
172 – 1997
170 – 2023
165 – 1995
165 – 1979
157 – 1980
146 – 2025
144 – 1981
141 – 2026
139 – 2003
131 – 2022

Quotables

Arizona State Head Coach Bobby Hurley
Opening statement
“It was a very emotional game for a lot of reasons — senior day always is. Guys really played their hearts out and have for Arizona State all year, so really I was happy about that. Guys like Moe Odom and Anthony “Pig” Johnson today had the opportunity to have moments, Moe hit some clutch shots, Pig Johnson's five point run was really good there and during a much needed time in the game. The first half was really like an out of body experience. Very unusual first half. I thought we played as good of defense as we have played all season in that half, and the whole game overall minus the offensive rebounds. We held them to under 30% for the game, which is something that we really haven't done. I don't think we could have beaten anybody on our schedule two months ago shooting 32%, I don't care who it is. But we've come a long way particularly on the defensive end and just a really good effort.”

On Massamba Diop's impact
“I mean, look, (Darryn) Peterson is a phenomenal prospect and he showed why in the second half especially, but I know there were a lot of NBA guys in the building and they had to be looking at that guy.”

On the character and resiliency of his team
“I would imagine we were picked dead last in the Big 12 by everybody, and no one thought we would win any games and I think they’ve proven a lot of people wrong. I think the people from Arizona State showed up tonight and it was a great crowd. I’m thankful for that — to honor the seniors. I think there's a reason, because they are kind of fun to watch. We're not perfect, we're far from perfect and we do some crazy things sometimes and we don't always get every rebound, but they're going to lay it all out on the line. That's what sports is about.”

On how he views this group
“They're all kind of underdogs. They came from humble beginnings. They all climbed the ladder and they really appreciate the opportunity to play here. It's not like there's a sense of entitlement with them. Moe feels like he has something to prove all the time. Pig didn’t have any scholarship offers and one of the best values that anybody could ever get  in the portal. And Alan Mukeba, and with all the guys. There’s guys that feel like it's okay to tap out on seasons and shut down because they're hurt. I've had a couple of players like that and Alan Mukeba is the total opposite of that. He's battled through a lot of injuries, Bryce Ford the same thing, Santi (Santiago Trouet), all these guys have played through injuries because they're trying to help their team win.”

On overcoming a second half Kansas rally
“I told them after the game that I've been doing this a long time as a player and a coach, and when you have a big lead like that and you virtually lose it all, it’s extremely hard to find a way to win. That's a testament again to their desire to win, their character and their guts. They’re fighters, it starts with Moe Odom and it goes right down the line. Pig Johnson hitting those shots when they cut it to two — you can't even say how big those plays were.”

Senior guard Moe Odum
On what it means to him that Coach Hurley has his back
“It means a lot. People don’t know what Hurley and I talk about. There’s days where we were going on losing streaks and he would get in his dark places. I would text him the next day to ‘stay with us coach’ and we would tell him that we’re not giving up. I really feel like that meant a lot to him and he really means a lot to me. He is the greatest coach that’s ever coached me and I’ll go to war with him anytime. If I had any more eligibility, I wouldn’t go anywhere. So, I feel like without Hurley there’s no us.”

On the emotions before the game
"I cried before the game. I cried with my mom and dad. It was super emotional because four years of college life is hard. It’s not easy. Especially where we come from. We could be anywhere right now but we’re here. We’re grateful to be a Sun Devil and we’re blessed. Four years goes by fast. I can’t believe it. I remember being a freshman and I was telling my seniors. Now I'm old.”

On how he wants to be remembered after his season at ASU
“I want to be remembered not as a player but as a person. Somebody who came here every day, was willing to work. Was willing to be a leader on good days and bad days. I want people to say good things about my character, I want people to see I’m respectful. Not that I want people to say but if that person asks about me then I want people to be able to say nothing but great things about me so just being the best person I can be and that nothing is impossible.”

Senior guard Pig Johnson
On overcoming early struggles
“He (Moe Odum) was on me the whole game and saw me the entire game. He made sure that my time was going to come no matter if I kept missing (shots). He said my time was going to come and just stayed in it. When I stayed in it, he (Moe) found me and I did what I had to do.”

On Massamba Diop not being intimitated by opposing bigs
“He was just playing the game, it’s basketball at the end of the day, trying to have fun.”

Senior forward Allen Mukeba
On playing through injury
“All of us have been playing through injuries. We all know that we need each other and it doesn’t matter whether I'm injured or not. If I can go and if I’m still hurt, I can go. It really is that simple.”

Up next
Sun Devil Men’s Basketball will travel to Ames, Iowa as they will take on the No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, March 7th at 12 p.m. MST. Watch live on FS1 and listen by tuning-in to ESPN 620 AM (KTAR).

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Head coach Bobby Hurley (X: @BobbyHurley11)