Social Media Reacts to Arizona State's Conference Tournament Opener
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TEMPE -- The Arizona State Sun Devils (17-15) secured a hard-fought win against the Baylor Bears (16-16) on Tuesday morning in Kansas City, Missouri in the first game of the Big 12 tournament.
The Sun Devils and Bears both entered the day being seen as teams that had potential to make a major run in the tournament, while both were forced to take part in this game due to frustrating losses in recent weeks instead of earning a round one bye. Iowa State went into the day awaiting the winner of this game to take on in day two of the tournament.
Follow key social media reactions to pieces of the morning matchup that kicked off the Big 12 tournament below.
Arizona State, Baylor Kick Off Tournament Week
Arizona State and Baylor tipped off in the morning prior to Cincinnati and Utah taking each other one to move on in the bracket.
Baylor defeated Arizona State by a score of 73-68 in Waco on February 21, in a game that the Bears played an exceptional second half to secure a victory.
Happy Conference Tournament week to all who celebrate.
— jacks cod (@Hojacks_) March 10, 2026
Kicked it off with Arizona State/Baylor
The Sun Devils and Bears both got off to a slow start, but Arizona State's offense came alive behind the efforts of several players that pushed the lead to as much as 12 in the first half.
Cameron Carr knocked down two three-point attempts late in the half to cut the ASU lead to 44-35 going into halftime.
Arizona State Vs Baylor mens college basketball game pic.twitter.com/NFNI5gF6OX
— Christopher McDonald (@Cjwinner22) March 10, 2026
Arizona State Carried Energy Into Second Half
Baylor flashed moments of working their way back into the game early in the second half, with ASU point guard Moe Odum pressing to get into the scoring column.
However, the Sun Devils continued to collect themselves - forcing Baylor turnovers, winning the rebounding battle, and moving the ball well kept the ASU lead in double figures.
Arizona State up 52-40 on Baylor in KC. Sun Devils beating Baylor to the ball, lead the rebounding battle, 21-18.
— Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) March 10, 2026
Seven Arizona State players found themselves represented in the scoring column with 12:56 remaining in the game, with Andrija Grbovic, Santiago Trouet, and Anthony "Pig" Johnson being in double figures.
Arizona State wants to be there so, so much more than Baylor does.
— Ryan Burke (@ryanburke24) March 10, 2026
Baylor Makes Late Game Surge
Baylor went on an 8-2 run that was carried by freshman Tounde Yessoufou that brought the Arizona State lead down to 67-62 with 6:56 remaining in the game.
Missed free throws from Moe Odum and Johnson gifted Baylor the opportunity to shrink the deficit to just one possession, although Santiago Trouet and Noah Meeusen responded with major baskets. Baylor's Isaac Williams IV fouled out shortly after the run, which opened the door for the Sun Devils to further regain momentum.
2H 6:57 | 67-62 Arizona State
— Ethan Ignatovsky (@EthanIgnatovsky) March 10, 2026
The Sun Devils have allowed the Bears to get within five points of the lead. Baylor is on an 8-2 run and has converted six of its last six field goal attempts. @CronkiteSports
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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Kevin Hicks is an Arizona State alumni and now serves as the Arizona State Beat Writer On SI.