Arizona State Men's Hoops Faces New Mexico in Acrisure Classic

TEMPE, Ariz. - The Arizona State men's basketball team will face New Mexico in the Acrisure Classic on November 24, 2023, as announced by tournament organizers on Monday.

Defining Matchup

The matchup between the Sun Devils and Lobos promises to be an exciting one. Both teams enter the season with high expectations and will be looking to make a statement in a prestigious early-season tournament.

ASU coach Bobby Hurley praised the addition of New Mexico to the Acrisure Classic.

"New Mexico is a great program with a rich tradition," Hurley said. "They have a talented group of players this year, and we're excited to face them in such a competitive setting."

Tournament Details

The Acrisure Classic will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. ASU will open the tournament against New Mexico on November 24 before potentially facing No. 20 Auburn or Bradley in the semifinals on November 25. The championship game will take place on November 27.

Significance for ASU

The Acrisure Classic is a significant opportunity for ASU to showcase its team early in the season. The Sun Devils will be looking to build momentum heading into Pac-12 play and prove themselves as a legitimate contender in 2023-24.

Guard Jay Heath believes the Acrisure Classic will be a valuable test for ASU.

"We're looking forward to competing against some of the best teams in the country," Heath said. "The Acrisure Classic will be a great way for us to see where we stand and what we need to improve on."

Outlook

The Sun Devils enter the 2023-24 season with a talented roster led by Heath, forward Desmond Cambridge, and center Warren Washington. They will be looking to improve upon their 19-13 record from a year ago and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

The Acrisure Classic will provide ASU with an early opportunity to show its potential and set the tone for the rest of the season.