Arizona State vs Baylor: Big 12 Tournament Lineups

The Arizona State Sun Devils and Baylor Bears opened their Big 12 Tournament campaign with a crucial first-round matchup at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Both teams entered the game with identical 16-15 records, making the contest even more significant as each side fights to keep its postseason hopes alive.

Arizona State finished the regular season with a 7-11 conference record, while Baylor ended slightly behind at 6-12 in Big 12 play. Despite the similar records, Baylor carried momentum into the tournament after a dominant 101-75 victory over Utah in their final regular-season game. Arizona State, on the other hand, struggled late in an 86-65 loss against Iowa State.

This game also serves as a rematch of their February 21 meeting in Waco, where Baylor narrowly defeated Arizona State 73-68. That close contest suggests another competitive battle between two teams capable of producing a surprise run in the tournament.

Arizona State Reveals Starting Lineup

Before the game tipped off, Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley announced his starting five for the matchup against Baylor. The lineup includes several key contributors who played major roles throughout the season.

The Sun Devils’ starting lineup featured:

Moe Odum
Noah Meeusen
Andrija Grbovic
Santiago Trouet
Massamba Diop

Point guard Moe Odum remains the engine of Arizona State’s offense. He finished the regular season ranked among the top 15 scorers in the conference and placed inside the top three in assists per game. Despite those strong numbers, Odum did not receive All-Big 12 honors, which adds extra motivation for him in this tournament opener.

Noah Meeusen brings strong perimeter defense to the lineup. While his offensive production has fluctuated in recent weeks, he continues to play a vital role on defense and as a floor spacer against Baylor’s high-powered offense.

Key Players to Watch for the Sun Devils

Forward Andrija Grbovic, standing at 6-foot-11, provides size and versatility for Arizona State. Although he has experienced offensive struggles recently, he maintains strong chemistry with the starting unit and has delivered several clutch shots during the season.

Santiago Trouet has quietly become one of the most reliable contributors on the roster. His rebounding ability could prove crucial against Baylor’s frontcourt. Winning the battle on the boards may determine the outcome of this matchup.

Freshman center Massamba Diop adds defensive presence in the paint. He ranks among the top 25 players nationally in blocks per game and consistently impacts games with his rim protection. Diop also contributes in rebounding and interior scoring, which makes him a key factor against Baylor’s offensive attack.

Arizona State’s bench also offers valuable depth. Players such as Anthony “Pig” Johnson, Bryce Ford, Allen Mukeba, and Trevor Best provide additional scoring and defensive options when Hurley rotates his lineup.

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Baylor Bears Looking to Continue Momentum

The Baylor Bears entered the tournament with confidence after their convincing victory over Utah. The team displayed excellent offensive rhythm in that game, scoring more than 100 points and shooting efficiently from multiple areas on the floor.

Baylor previously defeated Arizona State in their February meeting. That result may give them a psychological edge, but the close scoreline indicates the teams remain evenly matched.

Early game action shows both teams trading possessions and defensive stops. Arizona State’s Massamba Diop opened the scoring with an 11-foot jumper assisted by Anthony Johnson. At the same stage of the game, Arizona State held a narrow 8-5 lead.

Defensive plays also shaped the early minutes. Baylor’s Isaac Williams IV recorded a block, while Arizona State’s Johnson also rejected a Baylor shot near the rim. Turnovers and missed three-pointers prevented both teams from building early momentum.

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Live Streaming Details and Betting Odds

Fans looking to watch the Arizona State vs Baylor matchup must stream the game online rather than on traditional television. The game is available exclusively on the ESPN+ streaming platform through the ESPN app.

Tipoff took place on Tuesday, March 10, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The game started at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time, and 10:30 a.m. Mountain Time.

According to betting odds before the game, Baylor entered as a slight favorite. Sportsbooks listed Baylor at around a 3.5-point favorite, while the projected over-under total sat near 156.5 points.

These odds reflect expectations of a competitive and relatively high-scoring game. Both teams rely on strong guard play and perimeter shooting, which often produces fast-paced matchups in the Big 12.

What This Game Means for Both Teams

For Arizona State, this matchup could define the entire season. A loss would likely end their postseason hopes, while a victory could spark a deep tournament run. Players such as Odum and Diop must deliver strong performances if the Sun Devils want to advance.

Baylor also faces significant pressure despite entering as the favorite. The Bears need consistent scoring from their starters and improved three-point shooting after early struggles in the game.

The intensity of conference tournament basketball creates unpredictable outcomes. Momentum swings, defensive stops, and bench contributions often determine who survives and advances.

As the Big 12 Tournament begins, this Arizona State vs Baylor clash promises drama, high energy, and a fight for survival between two determined teams.