Arizona State Forwards Discuss Win Over Oklahoma State, Looking Ahead

The Sun Devils bounced back from a disappointing loss on Saturday behind the play of the eight rotation players.

Jan 24, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Allen Mukeba (23), guard Anthony Johnson (2) and guard Maurice Odum (5) against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- The Arizona State Sun Devils (13-12, 4-8 Big 12) secured an impressive win over conference foe Oklahoma State (16-8, 4-7) on Tuesday night after falling to Colorado over the weekend.

A large driving force behind the 85-76 triumph was backed by the frontcourt of the Sun Devils, including junior Santiago Trouet and graduate student Allen Mukeba - both of which were available to talk with media following the game.

To watch the full press conference, view below.

Arizona State on SI explore key topics focused on the key Sun Devils below.

What Trouet Provided Tuesday

Trouet has been a key cog in the Arizona State rotation this season, playing in 23 of 25 games (22 starts) - although he is coming off of an ankle sprain that forced an absence last Wednesday against Utah.

The San Diego transfer returned to the lineup on Saturday, playing in 20 minutes and coming off of the bench ahead of Tuesday's breakout showing.

The 6'11" forward arguably put together a career-best performance on Tuesday - scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds (4 offensive) in the process. The context surrounding the performance supercedes the raw output as well, as Trouet's scoring largely came in key moments, and the second chance opportunities he created gifted ASU more opportunities to grind out the win.

Jan 21, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Santiago Trouet (1) defends against West Virginia Mountaineers forward DJ Thomas (5) in the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

What Mukeba Provided Tuesday

Mukeba has been a constant spark plug off of the bench during the course of his final season of college basketball, with the trend continuing on Tuesday.

The 6'8" forward scored six points, grabbed seven rebounds, blocked two shots, and secured a steal in just 22 minutes of action. Mukeba's explosive athleticism, strong play finishing ability, and feel for making the right play has served ASU well throughout the season - it did once again against Oklahoma State.

Trouet Discusses Next Opponent

Arizona State now has a full week off from game action - they are set to return next Tuesday against a ranked foe in Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders are headlined by forward J.T. Toppin, who is averaging a 20-point double double this season. This serves as another major test for the ASU front line that has largely held up well this season, and Trouet is enthused to pick up what has potential to be a marquee win on the season.

"I think it's a great game to jump up in the conference, and it would be a great upset for March Madness."

Arizona State forward Andrija Grbović (14) gathers Bryce Ford (4) and Moe Odum (5) during a game against Cincinnati at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on Jan. 24, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Read more on the bold strategy that head coach Bobby Hurley employed with comments on 1/21 here, and on why Arizona State may have saved the season with the win over Cincinnati on Saturday here..

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