Arizona State Rallies Past Hawaii 83-76 in Thriller

The Arizona State Sun Devils overcame a valiant effort from the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors to secure an 83-76 victory Thursday night at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu. The win improved ASU's record to 4-1 while ending Hawaii's four-game winning streak and dropping the Warriors to 4-1.

Sun Devils Find Their Rhythm on the Road

Playing their first true road game of the season, the Sun Devils faced a Hawaii team that had been playing inspired basketball since opening the season with a heartbreaking 60-59 loss at Oregon. The Warriors had built momentum with convincing victories over smaller schools and a championship in the OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic.

Arizona State guard Moe Odum led all scorers with 24 points, adding nine assists, five steals, and five rebounds in an all-around performance. His leadership proved crucial as ASU prepared for the prestigious Maui Invitational, with this game serving as a crucial tune-up before facing elite competition.

"It's not the easiest game for a lot of reasons," said Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley. "With the level of game we played Friday night [against Gonzaga] and being a very late game, and then to play here again, it's a whole different vibe. It's hard to kind of match the same effort."

Hawaii's Defense Couldn't Contain ASU's Balanced Attack

Freshman forward Maurice Massamba Diop recorded his first collegiate double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, providing critical frontcourt production. The Sun Devils needed every contribution, as Hawaii's defense—ranked 26th nationally in scoring defense at just 61.6 points per game—made every possession a battle.

The Rainbow Warriors, led by transfer guard Ny'Ceara Pryor's 18 points, stayed competitive throughout. Pryor, who averages 16.7 points per game on 45% shooting, demonstrated why Hawaii has become one of the Big West's most improved teams. Seven-foot center Isaac Johnson continued his strong play with another solid performance, though specific statistics weren't immediately available.

Second Half Surge Seals Victory

Arizona State had to rally in the second half after trailing by as many as 11 points earlier in the game. The Sun Devils' superior depth and athleticism eventually wore down the Warriors, who had defeated Kansas State just days earlier—a remarkable feat considering K-State reached the Sweet 16 last season while Hawaii finished 10-19.

Dre Bullock, Hawaii's explosive guard who averages 2.2 steals per game, fought valiantly but couldn't generate enough offensive production to match ASU's firepower. Hawaii coach Eran Ganot praised Bullock's effort after the team's previous win: "When the game got a little dull, he got the crowd going again with his explosiveness and his aggressiveness and his confidence."

Looking Ahead: Different Paths Forward

For Arizona State (4-1), this victory serves as valuable preparation for the Maui Invitational, where they'll face some of college basketball's elite programs. The Sun Devils demonstrated resilience in hostile territory and the ability to close out close games—essential qualities for tournament success.

Coach Hurley has successfully retooled his roster after last season's struggles, with transfers like Odum and role players like Diop stepping up when needed. The team ranks 29th nationally in free throw attempts per game (30.6) and 32nd in free throws made (22.2), indicating an aggressive offensive style that gets to the rim.

Warriors' Strong Start Continues Despite Loss

Hawaii (4-1) hasn't started a season this well in four years. The Warriors last began 3-0 in the 2021-22 season, when they rattled off eight consecutive victories before their first loss. That success provides a blueprint for what's possible when everything clicks.

The Rainbow Warriors now head to the Hawaii North Shore Showcase in Laie, where they'll face VCU, UT-Arlington, and Colorado over four days. These games will test whether Hawaii's hot start represents genuine improvement or merely a soft early schedule.

Under fourth-year coach Joni Taylor, the program has rebuilt after winning just three SEC games last season. The addition of transfers like Pryor (from Sacred Heart) and Fatmata Janneh (from Saint Peter's) has transformed the roster's competitiveness. Janneh is flirting with a double-double average at 10.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

The Bigger Picture

This game showcased the changing landscape of college basketball, where transfers and portal acquisitions can rapidly transform programs. Both teams feature rosters significantly different from last season, with Arizona State bouncing back from a disappointing 2023-24 campaign and Hawaii rebuilding from a brutal 10-19 record.

The matchup also highlighted the challenges of mid-major programs competing against Power Conference opponents. Hawaii played with tremendous heart and execution but ultimately couldn't match ASU's depth and talent. The Warriors led the Big West in scoring defense and rank 32nd nationally in field goal attempts, 36th in rebound margin (+12.4), demonstrating legitimate defensive credentials.

For Hawaii, the positives outweigh this single loss. The Warriors proved they belong on the same court as Power Conference teams and should enter Big West play with confidence. Their strong start provides valuable Quadrant 1 and 2 opportunities for NCAA Tournament resume building.

Statistical Standouts

Beyond the final score, several statistical trends emerged. Arizona State's ability to generate free throw attempts proved decisive, while Hawaii's rebounding prowess kept them competitive. The Warriors' 61.6 points allowed per game represents a dramatic defensive improvement from previous seasons.

Isaac Johnson's presence in the paint—averaging 14.8 points and 9.2 rebounds with three double-doubles in four games—gives Hawaii a legitimate interior threat. When combined with Bullock's perimeter speed and Pryor's scoring ability, the Warriors possess enough weapons to compete in the Big West.

Conclusion

Arizona State's 83-76 victory over Hawaii delivered exactly the competitive preparation the Sun Devils needed before the Maui Invitational. Playing in front of a hostile crowd in SimpliFi Arena, ASU showed composure and execution when it mattered most.

For Hawaii, the loss snaps a four-game winning streak but doesn't diminish an impressive early-season performance. The Rainbow Warriors have announced themselves as legitimate contenders in the Big West and proved they can compete with Power Conference programs. As both teams continue their seasons, this November matchup in Honolulu will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in their respective journeys—one confirming Arizona State's resurgence, the other validating Hawaii's dramatic turnaround.