Arizona State takes on unbeaten Texas in the 2025 Maui Invitational on Monday. The Sun Devils opened as 7.5-point underdogs despite their 4-1 record. This matchup offers ASU a chance to prove they’re built for big games entering Big 12 play. The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. MST from the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Arizona State (4-1) faces Texas (4-1) in first round of Southwest Maui Invitational
- Texas is 7.5-point favorite with 86.5% win probability per ESPN FPI
- First meeting since 2014 NCAA Tournament between these rivals
- Last meeting: Texas holds 5-1 all-time series edge
- Game airs on ESPN2 Monday night at 9:30 p.m. MST
ASU Brings Momentum into Neutral-Site Matchup
Arizona State arrives in Maui riding high off a massive road win. The Sun Devils defeated Hawaii 83-76 on November 20, proving they can win away from home. Guard Moe Odum took over down the stretch with 14 points, including crucial moments in the final minutes. Bryce Ford led the team with a career-high 20 points on efficient shooting.
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Head Coach Bobby Hurley has built a team that doesn’t quit. Arizona State trailed at halftime against Hawaii but outscored them 49-27 in the second half. This marks ASU’s second consecutive 4-1 start, something only achieved five times under Hurley’s tenure. The backcourt duo of Odum and Ford combined to shoot 42.9% from three-point range this season.
The Sun Devils haven’t appeared in the Maui Invitational since 2007, when James Harden led them to a 2-1 record. Back then, ASU compiled a 9-6 all-time record in the tournament. Hurley won the 1992 Maui Invitational MVP as a player, giving the storyline added intrigue.
Texas Looks to Stay Hot in Hawaii
Sean Miller’s Texas Longhorns have won four consecutive games since their season-opening loss to Duke. The Longhorns entered the tournament after beating lighter competition, but tonight they face a real test. ESPN’s analytics give Texas an 86.5% chance to advance past the Sun Devils.
The Longhorns are led by Matas Vokietaitis, a sophomore center from Lithuania. He’s been incredible early, attempting 41 free throws in five games while recording seven blocks. Texas brings elite rebounding and scoring efficiency to this matchup. Their defense has limited opponents, giving up just 62.6 points per game.
This is the first time these rivals have met since March 20, 2014 in the NCAA Tournament. Texas leads the all-time series 5-1. Remarkably, ASU has yet to defeat Texas in three neutral-site meetings. That history makes this opportunity even bigger for Hurley’s squad.
Head-to-Head Breakdown and Key Matchups
| Stat | Arizona State | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 4-1 | 4-1 |
| Three-Point Shooting | 42.9% (backcourt) | 36.1% (team) |
| Rebounds Per Game | Elite frontcourt | 33.0 RPG (elite) |
| Top Scorer | Point guard Odum | Vokietaitis (center) |
| All-Time Series | 1-5 | 5-1 |
| Neutral Site Record vs Each Other | 0-3 | 3-0 |
The Texas defense holds opponents to 27.4% from three-point range. ASU thrives on its backcourt shooting, so limiting Ford and Odum becomes critical. Meanwhile, Massamba Diop, Arizona State’s freshman center, will be tested by Vokietaitis and Texas’s elite rebounding.
Moe Odum is on pace for 230 assists this season, which would rank third all-time at ASU. He’s rated 23rd nationally in assists per game at 7.2. Getting Odum involved early could unlock Arizona State’s entire offense. Texas must contain his playmaking to control pace.
Can ASU Exploit the Underdog Role in Hawaii?
Arizona State enters as +7.5 underdogs, but that narrative feels incomplete. Yes, Texas is a heavy favorite, but ASU has proven they can compete. They beat Gonzaga isn’t the result, but they showed fight against the No. 19 Zags before falling 77-65.
The Sun Devils excel in neutral-site games under Hurley. Before tonight, they hold an astonishing 18-0 record in neutral-site regular season games during his tenure. That includes wins over Creighton, New Mexico, Xavier, Saint Mary’s, and several other high-major programs.
What makes this opportunity special? ASU hasn’t beaten Texas at a neutral site in history. Breaking through tonight would transform the narrative around this program. Bobby Hurley’s squad believes they’re different from years past. Can they prove it against a Texas team that still has something to prove after that Duke loss opened the season?
What’s at Stake Beyond Monday Night?
For Arizona State: A win launches them into the tournament semifinals with massive momentum heading into Big 12 conference play. With a loss, they still have consolation bracket opportunities, but a victory sends a championship message.
For Texas: Winning keeps their unbeaten streak alive and validates Sean Miller’s program rebuild. A loss doesn’t hurt their tournament resume much, but it would be the upset that shakes the early-season rankings.
The 2025 Southwest Maui Invitational runs through November 26 at the Lahaina Civic Center. All games air on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU. ASU continues the tournament on Tuesday against either Washington State or Chaminade if they win tonight. This is just the beginning of their Maui journey.
Sources
- Sports Illustrated (Arizona State) – ASU basketball coverage and game preview
- Arizona State Sun Devils Official Site – Game notes and team statistics
- ESPN – Live scores and FPI analytics data
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.