The Arizona State men's basketball team, after an extended 11-day break, is all set to take the court again. Their last appearance was a dominant one at the Desert Financial Arena where they thrashed San Diego with a convincing 90 - 53 score. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, they journeyed to California and emerged victorious against New Mexico and Saint Mary's in the Acrisure Classic held in Palm Springs.

Coach Bobby Hurley and the Challenging Path

Coach Bobby Hurley and his Sun Devils have been facing a tough nonconference schedule, and this upcoming game against SEC contender Florida fits right into that category. Florida enters the match undefeated, adding an extra layer of excitement and challenge for the Sun Devils.

Matchup Details

In this highly anticipated matchup, Arizona State (8 - 1) will go up against the No. 9 ranked Florida (9 - 0). The game is scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. It will be televised on the SEC Network and can be heard on ESPN 620 AM (KTAR).The statistical differences between the two teams are quite notable. Florida averages a high 86.6 points per game, while ASU is at 80 points per game. In terms of defense, the Gators give up only 65 points per game, ranking 45th out of 355 schools. On the other hand, the Sun Devils give up 71.1 points. Florida also shines in the assist - to - turnover ratio, ranking 32nd, while ASU is at 183rd.

Injury Updates

ASU's backup point guard, Austin Nunez, is out for the season after undergoing foot surgery. He managed to play in just four games before being sidelined. His absence is significant as it leaves only starter Alston Mason as a true point guard. However, Adam Miller can step in and fill the role when required.Florida is without their 7 - 1 center, Micah Handlogten, who suffered a broken leg in the SEC tournament last season and is likely to redshirt this year.

About the Sun Devils

Since their loss at Gonzaga, the Sun Devils have won six consecutive games. Two areas where they have shown remarkable improvement since last season are 3 - point shooting and rebounding. They are averaging an impressive 39.5% from beyond the arc, with Joson Sanon leading the way with a scorching 54.35% (25 - for - 46) shooting percentage. On the boards, ASU is now at a plus - 3, a vast improvement from last season when they were at minus - 7. Four players are averaging double figures - Sanon with 15.5 ppg, Basheer Jihad with 13.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg, Mason with 12 ppg, and B.J. Freeman with 12.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg. Freshman Jayden Quaintance, the youngest player in college basketball, leads the nation in blocked shots with an astonishing 32.

About the Gators

Florida is led by junior guard Walter Clayton who is averaging 18.4 ppg. He was a second - team All - SEC and SEC All - Tournament selection last season as a sophomore. Senior guard Alijah Martin is also contributing with 15.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg. 6 - 11 sophomore forward Alex Condon is averaging 13 ppg and 7 rpg, and senior guard Will Richard is adding 11.6 ppg. Florida has been cruising through their games, winning each by 13 points or more without facing much challenge.Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.