Arizona

Arizona’s Kharchenkov Notes 2 Differences in Overseas Hoops

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Arizona’s Kharchenkov Notes 2 Differences in Overseas Hoops

Arizona freshman standout Ivan Kharchenkov has adjusted nicely to the college basketball landscape since coming from overseas before this season.

While Brayden Burries and Koa Peat have taken a lot of the attention as the star freshmen talents of the #1-ranked Wildcats, Kharchenkov cannot be forgotten as well. The 6-foot-7 forward from Germany is averaging 9.4 pounds, and 3.3 rebounds per game as a freshman this season.

Jan 10, 2026; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) looks on during the game between the Horned Frogs and the Wildcats at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Prior to joining Arizona before this season, Kharchenkov had played in the EuroLeague since he was 16. In the 2024-25 season, he helped Bayern Munich earn the Bundesliga championship.

Now making the transition to college basketball in America, Kharchenkov has had no problem adjusting to the pace, and physicality of the Big 12. He has been a key figure for Arizona as they currently remain undefeated at 21-0, and are the nation’s top team in not just the AP Poll, but also KenPom, and NET rankings, making them the unanimous choice for the country’s best team by the most respected metrics.

Jan 24, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) holds up a three after he makes a three-point basket against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first half of the game at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Overseas basketball has been brought to prominence thanks to the passion, and hardcore fandom by the fanbases in the leagues. Rivalry games in particular show plenty of intensity, so Kharchenkov is no stranger to big games with tons of animosity.

Kharchenkov’s thoughts

In light of Arizona’s thrilling victory over the #13 BYU Cougars, Kharchenkov was asked recently about the difference between playing overseas, and playing college basketball in the United States.

“It’s definitely a little bit different,” Kharchenkov said. “In Europe, derby games are a little bit more harsh, like in language. Here, they’re kind of nicer, but the hate itself is a little bit bigger. Both are good, I like this one more because it’s a little more correct, and more sportsmanlike.”

Jan 21, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) celebrates during the second half of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Kharchenkov’s composure in big games must be contagious, as the Wildcats have excelled in big-time matchups this season. They’ve earned themselves six wins over ranked teams this season, are 9-0 in Quad 1 games, and 3-0 in Quad 2, giving them an already impressive resume with the NCAA Tournament still over a month away.

They’ll look to continue their incredible season as the schedule now enters the stretch run heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats currently look like potentially the most dangerous team in all of college basketball, and the fact that they are led by several freshmen makes them a truly unique team capable of earning the second national title in program history.

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Arizona

3 Winners From ASU’s Overtime Win Over Arizona

Published

6 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Press Room

3 Winners From ASU’s Overtime Win Over Arizona

TEMPE — The Arizona State Sun Devils moved to 21-6 and 8-6 in the Big 12 on Saturday afternoon following a dramatic 75-69 win over Arizona that was won in a five-minute overtime period.

The Sun Devils faced adversity going into the game, as starting guard Last-Tear Poa was ruled out on Friday night’s player availability report – although the squad pulled through to secure another key win.

Arizona State on SI names three major winners from the contest in Tucson below.

Arizona State Stars

Arizona State’s season has been highlighted by a balanced, well-coached roster that plays well together.

Ultimately, the team knows where the ball is going in crunch time despite the interconnected nature of the main rotation – McKinna Brackens and Gabby Elliott delivered in incredible fashion.

Brackens knocked down a pull-up mid-range jump shot with just 3.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter that sent the game to overtime, while Elliott knocked down a three-point look on the wing off of a Brackens assist to put Arizona State up 70-67 at the 2:18 mark of overtime.

Elliott finished with 22 points that was rooted in an efficient 4-8 mark from behind the arc, while Brackens paced the team with 24 points – also grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out four assists.

Kansas State Wildcats forward Nastja Claessens (4) steals the ball away from ASU Sun Devils forward McKinna Brackens (21) at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 1, 2026. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Molly Miller

The first year of the new era under Miller’s leadership continues to be a resounding success.

The win over Arizona not only marked the first time the program’s bitter rival had been swept since the 2017-18 season, it also meant Miller became the most successful first-year coach in the history of the program – winning 21 games and counting to this point.

Miller’s hard-nosed philosophy, intentional roster building, and curation of a battle-tested staff have translated to the Sun Devils becoming a serious competitor in the Big 12 instantly – after years of struggles that were previously endured.

Arizona State’s Tournament Chances

The Sun Devils came into the weekend firmly on the tournament bubble, with ESPN’s Charlie Creme placing them in “last four in” territory.

A loss would have been disastrous for the Sun Devils’ tournament profile, as they already lost to Cincinnati going into the matchup. Avoiding this loss continued to add to their lofty win total, while also steadying the overall metrics that measure whether or not they are a tournament-level squad.

Arizona State returns to action on Wednesday night against Audi Crooks and Iowa State in what will be another opportunity to pick up a massive win.

ASU Sun Devils guard Marley Washenitz (11) looks to pass the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on Feb. 1, 2026. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Read more on the bold strategy that head coach Bobby Hurley employed with comments on 1/21 here, and on why Arizona State may have saved the season with the win over Cincinnati on Saturday here..

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Arizona

Arizona suffers first home loss of season against Texas Tech

Published

18 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Press Room

Arizona suffers first home loss of season against Texas Tech

Arizona’s morning started as early as 5 a.m. for some as College Gameday fans started to line up before the sun rose outside of McKale Center before their ranked matchup against Texas Tech. Arizona would suffer their first home loss of the season later on in the day in a three point overtime loss to the Red Raiders, almost certainly dropping their national ranking from No. 1 for the first time in over two months. Koa Peat did not play most of the second half with what Coach Lloyd called a “lower leg thing”. Dwayne Aristode also did not play due to illness, as it seems Arizona is finally touching Earth with two losses this week. The Wildcats will take on the BYU Cougars on Wednesday.

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Arizona

No. 12 Oregon State baseball vs. Arizona: Preview, how to watch

Published

1 day ago

February 14, 2026

Press Room

No. 12 Oregon State baseball vs. Arizona: Preview, how to watch

No. 12 Oregon State continues its weekend in Surprise, Arizona against Arizona Saturday afternoon at Surprise Stadium.

The Beavers lost Friday’s season opener to Michigan 5-3. Dax Whitney allowed one run on five hits and three walks and struck out six over 5.0 innings, but the bullpen relinquished the lead and OSU’s bats did not have a good day.

Bryce Hubbard and Jacob Galloway each went 2 for 3 at the plate and AJ Singer scored two runs.

The Wildcats also dropped their season opened on Friday, falling 10-7 to Stanford. The teams were tied at 5 after four, then the Cardinal scored five in the top of the sixth and the Wildcats scored two in the bottom of the inning.

Ethan Kleinschmit will get the start today against UA’s Smith Bailey.

No. 12 Oregon State Beavers vs. Arizona Wildcats

When: 1 p.m., PT Saturday, Feb. 14

Where: Surprise Stadium, Surprise, Arizona

TV channel: The game is not televised.

How to watch live stream online: The game will be streamed live by FloSports. Visit osubeavers.com for a direct link to the game and subscription information.

Radio: All games air on the Beaver Sports Network. Pregame starts 30 minutes before the first pitch. Affiliates include KEJO 93.7-FM & 1240-AM (Corvallis), KKNX 105.1-FM & 840-AM (Eugene), KCFM 104.1-FM & 1250-AM & 104.1-FM (Florence), KLAD 104.3-FM & 960-AM (Klamath Falls), KCFM 103.1-FM (Mapleton), KTMT 96.1-FM & 580-AM (Medford), KCMX 880-AM (Medford), KCMX 99.5-FM (Phoenix), KEX 1190-AM (Portland), KSKR 1490-AM (Roseburg) and KBZY 1490-AM (Salem).

Probable starters: LHP Ethan Kleinschmit (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Smith Bailey (0-0, 0.00)

Oregon State’s projected lineup

1. AJ Singer, 2B .250

2. Easton Talt, RF .200

3. Cooper Vance, SS .000

4. Bryce Hubbard, DH .667

5. Jacob Krieg, 1B .250

6. Adam Haight, LF .000

7. Paul Vazquez, 3B .250

8. Jacob Galloway, C .667

9. Nyan Hayes, CF .333

Arizona’s projected lineup