arizona state basketball

Moe Odum's Last-Second Heroics: How Arizona State Basketball Stunned Texas in Maui

In the high-stakes world of college basketball, November tournaments often serve as a proving ground for aspiring contenders. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Arizona State Sun Devils delivered a statement victory that will resonate throughout the season. In a heart-stopping Maui Invitational matchup, ASU men's basketball defeated the Texas Longhorns 87-86, courtesy of a clutch three-pointer from freshman guard Moe Odum in the final seconds.

The game, played at the Lahaina Civic Center, was a back-and-forth affair that showcased the intensity and unpredictability of early-season tournament play. For Arizona State, the win represents a significant momentum boost and a validation of their potential under head coach Bobby Hurley. For Texas, it serves as a tough lesson in closing out games against resilient opponents.

The Anatomy of an Upset: A Chronicle of the Maui Clash

The narrative of the game was defined by its dramatic final moments. Texas, ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25 at the time, appeared to have the game in hand after a late surge. With just 16 seconds remaining, Longhorns guard Jordan Pope sank a jumper to give Texas an 86-84 lead. The momentum seemed firmly in the Longhorns' favor, and the ASU side of the arena fell into a tense silence.

However, Arizona State refused to capitulate. Following a timeout, the Sun Devils executed a crucial play. Moe Odum, the 6-foot-1 freshman from Los Angeles, found himself with the ball and a clear look at the basket. He rose up and drained a three-pointer with 1.5 seconds left on the clock, flipping the score to 87-86 and sending the ASU faithful into a frenzy.

"It was a designed play, and my teammates trusted me to make the shot," Odum said in a post-game interview captured by azcentral.com. "When it left my hand, I knew it had a chance. To see it go in for the win was an incredible feeling."

Texas had one final opportunity, but a desperation heave from mid-court was off the mark, sealing the stunning victory for Arizona State. The win was a testament to the Sun Devils' composure under pressure, a trait that will be invaluable as they navigate the rest of their non-conference schedule.

A Rivalry Renewed: The Broader Context of ASU vs. Texas

While the specific game on November 25 was a standalone event in a neutral-site tournament, it took place against the backdrop of a growing inter-conference narrative. The Big 12 Conference, which Arizona State joined in 2024 alongside other former Pac-12 schools, has become a basketball powerhouse. This transition has created new, high-stakes rivalries and matchups, making games like ASU vs. Texas particularly significant.

Historically, Arizona State basketball has been known for its flashes of brilliance, often led by star guards like James Harden or the Backcourt of the Future (Tra Holder and Shannon Evans II). Under Bobby Hurley, the program has consistently emphasized an up-tempo, guard-oriented offensive style. The win over Texas, orchestrated by a freshman guard, fits perfectly within that established identity.

For Texas, this game was an early test of their mettle. The Longhorns, under first-year head coach Rodney Terry, were looking to establish a winning culture in their new conference home. Losing a tight, late-game contest to a team like ASU highlights the depth and competitiveness of the Big 12, where no victory can be taken for granted. According to reports from 247Sports, the pre-game focus was on how Texas would handle the unique pressures of the Maui Invitational, and the game ultimately proved that even a veteran team can be tripped up by a determined underdog.

Immediate Effects and Season-Defining Implications

The immediate impact of this victory on the Arizona State program cannot be overstated. Beating a ranked, power-conference opponent in a tournament setting provides a massive boost to both the team's confidence and its postseason resume. A win of this magnitude can serve as a "signature win" that looks even better as the season progresses and other teams' records are evaluated for NCAA Tournament consideration.

For individual players, the game was a showcase. Moe Odum’s heroics will undoubtedly be a highlight of his freshman campaign, potentially catapulting him into a larger role within the offense. His performance, combined with the steady contributions from teammates like Adam Miller and Basem Al-Maharmeh, demonstrated a balanced offensive attack that can come from multiple sources. This depth will be crucial for ASU as they face the grueling demands of a Power 4 conference schedule.

Conversely, for Texas, the loss is a sobering reminder of the fine margins at the highest level of college basketball. It exposes areas for improvement, particularly in defensive communication on the final possession and offensive execution in clutch moments. While a single November loss does not define a season, it does add a layer of urgency to upcoming games as the Longhorns look to build momentum for their conference campaign.

The Road Ahead: What's Next for Sun Devil Basketball

Looking forward, the victory over Texas provides a blueprint for success for Arizona State. The ability to win close games against top-tier opponents is a hallmark of a tournament-caliber team. Head coach Bobby Hurley will look to build on this momentum, using the confidence gained in Maui to fuel their performance in upcoming contests.

The Sun Devils' schedule will not get any easier. The rigors of Big 12 play, featuring perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Houston, and Baylor, will test the team's depth, discipline, and resilience. However, having already secured a win against a quality opponent like Texas, ASU has proven they have the capability to compete with anyone on their schedule.

The development of young players like Moe Odum will be a key storyline to follow. His poise in a high-pressure situation suggests a player with a high ceiling, and his integration into the offense could unlock new dimensions for the Sun Devils. As the season progresses, the synergy between the team's veteran leaders and its emerging young talent will be the primary factor determining how far this Arizona State team can go.

In the landscape of college basketball, early-season tournaments are often a preview of the drama and excitement to come. For Arizona State, the 2025 Maui Invitational will be remembered as the moment a freshman star was born and a team announced its arrival on the national stage. The journey is just beginning, but with a signature win already in the bag, the future looks bright for basketball in the desert.