Arizona State (8-2) suffered a decisive 83-66 loss to No. 9 Florida (10-0) in Atlanta, underscoring their struggles against top-tier competition. Florida's superior physicality, defense, and offensive execution revealed significant gaps for ASU as they prepare for their upcoming Big 12 schedule. The Sun Devils struggled to find offensive rhythm, particularly with standout freshman Joson Sanon being limited to just five points. Despite some bright spots, including a solid performance from fellow freshman Jayden Quaintance, ASU must address critical issues ahead of tough conference matchups.

By the Numbers
  • Florida outscored ASU 28-11 in fast-break points.
  • The Sun Devils shot 37% from the field compared to Florida’s 60% shooting during crucial stretches.
State of Play
  • Arizona State has now lost twice to top-ten ranked teams this season, revealing challenges against elite competition.
  • They struggled offensively, failing to record double-digit assists in two critical matchups.
What's Next

ASU will face UMass in their final non-conference game before starting Big 12 play against BYU on New Year’s Eve. They need to recalibrate their game strategy and build on individual performances to improve overall consistency. Addressing deficiencies in execution and physicality will be crucial for their upcoming challenges.

Bottom Line

ASU's loss to Florida serves as a wake-up call as they prepare for the rigors of the Big 12. To compete effectively, they must learn from this experience, refine their offensive strategy, and maintain resilience against tough opponents in the conference.