Event Preview
Overview
The Arizona State Sun Devils will host the San Francisco Dons in a non-conference women's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MST. (sundevils.com) This game serves as a key opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of their respective conference schedules.
Season Snapshot
Arizona State Sun Devils
Entering their first season in the Big 12 Conference, the Sun Devils have faced a challenging start. They hold a 5-5 overall record, with recent losses to mid-major teams such as Arkansas State, Grand Canyon, Coppin State, and UC Davis. (usfdons.com) Tyi Skinner leads the team with an average of 17 points per game and has accumulated 37 assists over 10 games. (usfdons.com)
San Francisco Dons
The Dons have shown resilience, boasting a 5-2 record as of early December. They are on a four-game winning streak, with their most recent victory being a 92-52 triumph over CSU Monterey Bay. (nevadawolfpack.com) Candy Edokpaigbe has been a standout performer, averaging 19.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. (foxsports.com)
Recent Form
Arizona State Sun Devils
The Sun Devils have struggled to find consistency, particularly against mid-major opponents. Their recent losses highlight challenges in both offensive execution and defensive cohesion. The team is working to integrate eight newcomers into the lineup, which has contributed to some growing pains. (usfdons.com)
San Francisco Dons
The Dons are riding a wave of confidence, having secured multiple decisive victories. Their offense has been clicking, as evidenced by their high-scoring win over CSU Monterey Bay. The team's cohesion and momentum are evident, making them formidable opponents. (nevadawolfpack.com)
Talking Points
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Conference Realignment Impact: How has Arizona State's transition to the Big 12 Conference influenced their early-season performance?
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San Francisco's Winning Streak: Can the Dons maintain their momentum against a Power Five opponent like Arizona State?
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Player Matchups: How will Tyi Skinner's leadership for Arizona State challenge Candy Edokpaigbe's scoring prowess for San Francisco?
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Coaching Strategies: What adjustments will both teams' coaching staffs make to exploit their opponent's weaknesses?
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Home Court Advantage: Will playing at Mullett Arena provide Arizona State with the edge they need to secure a win?
Players to Watch
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Tyi Skinner (Arizona State): As the team's leading scorer with 17 points per game, Skinner's performance is crucial for the Sun Devils' success. (usfdons.com)
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Candy Edokpaigbe (San Francisco): Edokpaigbe's impressive 19.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game make her a key player for the Dons. (foxsports.com)
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Kennedy Basham (Arizona State): Leading the team in rebounding with 7.1 per game, Basham's presence in the paint is vital. (usfdons.com)
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Meghan McIntyre (San Francisco): Averaging 7.3 rebounds per game, McIntyre's ability to control the boards will be tested against Arizona State's frontcourt. (foxsports.com)
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Gabby Elliott (Arizona State): With 8.0 rebounds per game, Elliott's versatility adds depth to the Sun Devils' lineup. (foxsports.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Guard Play: The battle between Arizona State's Tyi Skinner and San Francisco's Candy Edokpaigbe will be pivotal. Skinner's scoring ability and Edokpaigbe's all-around performance could dictate the game's tempo.
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Rebounding Battle: With both teams featuring strong rebounders like Basham and McIntyre, controlling the glass will be essential for gaining extra possessions.
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Coaching Adjustments: Arizona State's coaching staff will need to integrate their newcomers effectively, while San Francisco's coaches aim to maintain their team's winning momentum.
Fun Facts
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Historical Matchups: This will be the fourth meeting between Arizona State and San Francisco, with the Sun Devils leading the series 2-1. (usfdons.com)
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Arena Details: Mullett Arena, where the game will be held, is known for its modern facilities and enthusiastic fan base.
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Conference Transitions: Arizona State's move to the Big 12 Conference marks a significant shift in their athletic landscape, affecting team dynamics and competition levels.
Things to Chirp About
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"Can Arizona State's newcomers gel in time to make an impact against San Francisco?"
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"Is San Francisco's winning streak a sign of things to come this season?"
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"How will the Sun Devils' defense handle the Dons' high-scoring offense?"
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"Will Tyi Skinner's leadership be enough to secure a win for Arizona State?"
Prediction
While Arizona State's home-court advantage and the leadership of Tyi Skinner provide a strong foundation, San Francisco's current form and cohesive team play make them formidable opponents. The game is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having opportunities to secure the win.