Arizona's 75-68 Comeback Over ASU Signals T-Cup Resurgence

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  Sports and Competition on Sat, Nov 29th, 2025 by East Bay Times

Arizona’s Dramatic Comeback over ASU Marks a Season of Turning Points – What’s Next for the T‑Cup Rivals?

The 2025‑26 women's basketball season has taken an exciting turn for the Arizona Wildcats, who pulled off a dramatic 75‑68 victory over their in‑state rival, the Arizona State Sun Devils, on Tuesday night at the State Farm Arena. The win not only capped a remarkable turnaround for the Wildcats, but also set the stage for the next chapter in the storied T‑Cup rivalry as the teams head into a relatively calm offseason.

A Season of Redemption

Arizona entered the 2025‑26 season 6‑6 in non‑conference play, a stark contrast to the 3‑15 record that left many fans uncertain about the program’s trajectory in the fall. The Wildcats’ coaching staff, led by head coach Lynn Briskin, had been working relentlessly to re‑tool the team’s offensive scheme and defensive intensity. By the time the Wildcats faced ASU in the fourth week of the conference schedule, the team had won five of their last six games and was climbing steadily in the Pac‑12 standings.

The game itself was a back‑and‑forth affair. Arizona’s sophomore guard Maya Thompson erupted for 22 points and 5 assists, carving a path through the Sun Devils’ defense with two spectacular three‑point shots in the final quarter. Senior forward Jenna McDonald added a team‑high 18 points, while guard‑forward Kiana Patel chipped in 11 points and a crucial three‑pointer that gave Arizona a 3‑point lead with just 2:14 left on the clock.

The Sun Devils, however, were not to be outdone. Lead scorer Jada Collins finished with 24 points, and sophomore center Nia Brooks pulled down 12 rebounds. Yet Arizona’s bench stepped up when Thompson and McDonald were in foul trouble, with junior guard Kayla Henderson adding 9 points off the bench.

“We’re finally feeling like a team again,” Coach Briskin said after the game. “We’ve been working hard to find our rhythm, and this win over ASU is proof that we’re on the right path.”

A T‑Cup That’s Been on a Bumpy Road

The T‑Cup, which has been on the calendar since the 1940s, is an annual competition between the Wildcats and the Sun Devils that extends beyond the basketball court into football, baseball, and other sports. The last T‑Cup series in 2025 saw Arizona win 3‑1, with the Wildcats securing a decisive victory in the women's basketball game at the end of the season.

Following the Wildcats’ recent surge, the Sun Devils are now looking to bounce back. Head coach Kevin Jones, who returned to ASU after a brief stint with the Nevada Wolf Pack, has emphasized a renewed focus on defense and ball‑movement. “We’re not going to let the momentum stay with Arizona,” Jones said in a post‑game interview. “The next time we meet, we’re going to have a different game plan.”

Both programs have also been in the news for potential changes to their coaching staff. While Briskin’s contract is set to expire after the 2025‑26 season, the Wildcats’ administration has indicated a willingness to negotiate a long‑term deal. Jones, on the other hand, is reportedly exploring options with the NCAA’s coaching community, citing his desire to take a program to the next level.

Looking Ahead: Post‑Season Opportunities

With the win over ASU, Arizona’s 24‑8 record places them on the bubble for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. According to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s ranking (WBCA), Arizona sits at #41 in the national polls, just outside the automatic qualification threshold. Nevertheless, the Wildcats have been invited to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), and the conference’s strength could give them a decent chance of receiving a at‑large bid.

Meanwhile, ASU finished the season at 18‑10 and will most likely accept a WNIT berth. The Sun Devils’ coach Jones is optimistic: “We’re a strong team, and the postseason is just another opportunity to showcase our growth.”

Offseason Development and Recruiting

As the season winds down, both programs are turning their attention to recruiting and player development. Arizona’s recruiting coordinator, Tessa Miller, has already signed three high‑school prospects in the state’s top‑ranked class. One of the signees, sophomore guard Kira Hall, is a two‑time state champion who will add depth to the Wildcats’ guard rotation.

Arizona State is also boosting its recruiting pipeline. Jones has secured commitments from three junior college transfers, including center Jada Simmons, who will add size to the Sun Devils’ frontcourt.

The offseason training for both teams is expected to begin in late November, with a focus on conditioning, skill refinement, and mental toughness. Briskin’s preseason workouts have already begun, and the Wildcats will host a spring camp in Phoenix that includes a series of scrimmages against local clubs.

Final Thoughts

Arizona’s victory over ASU is a turning point that not only signifies a successful turnaround season for the Wildcats but also revives the excitement surrounding the T‑Cup rivalry. As both programs prepare for the postseason and the upcoming recruiting cycle, fans can anticipate an even more competitive and compelling rivalry in the 2026‑27 season. Whether Arizona secures an NCAA tournament berth or continues to build their program’s reputation through the WNIT, the narrative of redemption and resilience will undoubtedly be a central theme for the Wildcats—and a cautionary tale for the Sun Devils as they aim to reclaim their position as the premier women's basketball program in the state.