TEMPE – As the Arizona State Sun Devils (13-12, 4-8 Substantial 12) navigate a critical stretch of their season, head coach Bobby Hurley has announced the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s matchup against the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders (19-6, 9-3) at Desert Financial Arena. With only six regular-season games remaining, this contest carries significant weight for the Sun Devils as they strive to improve their standing in the Big 12 Conference.
Arizona State returns to action after a week off following a February 10th defeat of Oklahoma State, while Texas Tech is coming off a significant road victory over Arizona on Saturday. The Sun Devils face an uphill battle, compounded by the likely absence of Bryce Ford, a development that further constricts their already limited rotation.
The starting five for Arizona State will consist of senior point guard Frankie Odum, guard Jamiya Neeusen, forward Santiago Trouet, guard Shawn Grbovic and center Massamba Diop. This lineup aims to provide a balance of scoring, playmaking, and size against a formidable Texas Tech squad.
Odum, a consistent force for the Sun Devils, leads the team in scoring, assists, and steals, having started every game this season. Neeusen will be making his fourth career start, offering a different matchup for Texas Tech’s starting unit compared to Anthony “Pig” Johnson. Trouet is looking to build on his best performance of the season, where he recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds against Oklahoma State, a performance that proved pivotal in the win. Grbovic, starting his 20th game of the campaign, will be relied upon for timely shooting, while Diop is expected to be a key presence in the paint, having performed well in previous matchups against Arizona.
The Sun Devils anticipate utilizing two primary bench players – guard Anthony “Pig” Johnson and forward Allen Mukeba – with guard Trevor Best potentially seeing limited minutes. The team will necessitate contributions from its reserves to withstand the challenge posed by the Red Raiders.
Key Players to Watch
Frankie Odum’s leadership and scoring ability will be crucial for Arizona State. He has been the engine driving the Sun Devils’ offense throughout the season. As reported by Arizona Sports, Hurley is focused on the present, despite questions surrounding his future with the program. Santiago Trouet’s recent performance suggests he is finding his rhythm, and his rebounding prowess will be vital against Texas Tech’s size. Massamba Diop will be tasked with containing Texas Tech’s frontcourt and protecting the rim.
Texas Tech’s Momentum
Texas Tech enters the game with momentum following their impressive victory over Arizona. The Red Raiders boast a strong record of 19-6 overall and 9-3 in Big 12 play, establishing themselves as a contender in the conference. Big News Network notes that Texas Tech is a strong opponent for Arizona State.
Game Details
Arizona State and Texas Tech are scheduled to tip off shortly after 9:00 P.M. MST at Desert Financial Arena. The game will be a significant test for the Sun Devils as they attempt to secure a much-needed victory and improve their position in the Big 12 standings.
The outcome of this game could have significant implications for Arizona State’s postseason aspirations. A win against a ranked opponent like Texas Tech would provide a boost to their NCAA Tournament resume, while a loss would further complicate their path to March Madness. The Athletic reported on February 17, 2026, that Bobby Hurley’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, adding another layer of pressure to the team’s performance.
Looking ahead, the Sun Devils will need to maintain a consistent level of play and capitalize on their remaining opportunities to secure a favorable seed in the Big 12 Tournament. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and execute their game plan will be crucial as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
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