There’s no doubt that when it comes to college basketball, the University of Arizona has owned the state of Arizona. Arizona State has had just 12 NCAA appearances in its history, and has never had a final four appearance. Compare that with Arizona’s 26 appearances including a streak of 23 straight appearances that started in 1985 and continues to today. The Wildcats have 4 final four appearances and even a national championship to their credit. As a Sun Devil fan, the only thing to ever cheer about, with regard to the rooting against Wildcats, is the years they’ve flamed out in the first round (10 times).

Not since the Bill Frieder years have the Sun Devils had any optimism with regard to the in-state rivalry. Actually, to call the beating that Arizona has put on Arizona State a rivalry is misleading. For a rivalry, wouldn’t there have to be some hope that both teams could win? UofA has won 24 of the last 25 meetings, along with all of the last 12.

This year marks perhaps the first year in a decade that there’s a glimmer of hope for Sun Devil fans. ASU enters the game with a 12-2 overall record versus Arizona’s 10-4 overall record. Arizona fans will be quick to point out that Arizona has played a tougher schedule than ASU, and I would agree. Still, I’m very happy with what coach Herb Sendek has managed to do, and it seems to be happening at a time when the Wildcats are facing some adversity at the top, with regard to Lute Olson’s personal life.

So tonight, at Wells Fargo Arena, the Sun Devils and Wildcats tip off at 7:30pm. Given my pathetic blogging wager record from last year, I’m going to hold off on any wagers this year. Although, perhaps if I wagered on the Wildcats it would be just what the Sun Devils need to pull off the victory! Go Devils!

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