Arizona State Comeback Bid Falls Short Against Colorado

Sun Devils' rally cut short after physical first-half ending

Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Arizona State Sun Devils entered Saturday's road contest against the Colorado Buffaloes looking to build on their momentum after a recent victory over Utah. However, the Sun Devils faced uncertainty around the availability of key rotation players, including forward Santiago Trouet, who was returning from an ankle injury. Despite Trouet's return and a highlight-reel dunk by center Massamba Diop that cut Colorado's lead to two, Arizona State was ultimately unable to overcome the Buffaloes' cushion built up in the second half.

Why it matters

This game was an important opportunity for the Sun Devils to pick up their first winning streak in Big 12 play this season. The outcome leaves Arizona State facing another 'what-if' scenario as they continue to battle for position in the conference standings.

The details

Arizona State forward Santiago Trouet returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing the previous game against Utah with an ankle sprain. However, Trouet came off the bench and was on a minutes restriction. In the first half, there was a physical incident as the buzzer sounded, with Colorado's Elijah Malone making contact with Arizona State's Moe Odum, who went down holding his head. Officials reviewed the play and called a flagrant foul on Malone, which helped spark an Arizona State rally early in the second half. Freshman center Massamba Diop then threw down an impressive alley-oop dunk to cut Colorado's lead to two points, but the Sun Devils were unable to complete the comeback.

  • On February 7, 2026, Arizona State faced Colorado in Boulder.
  • The game took place on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Santiago Trouet

A forward for the Arizona State Sun Devils who returned to the lineup after missing the previous game with an ankle sprain.

Moe Odum

The Arizona State point guard who was involved in a physical incident with Colorado's Elijah Malone as the first half expired.

Massamba Diop

The Arizona State freshman center who threw down an impressive alley-oop dunk to cut Colorado's lead to two points in the second half.

Elijah Malone

The Colorado player who was called for a flagrant foul after making contact with Arizona State's Moe Odum as the first half expired.

Bobby Hurley

The head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Santiago Trouet will play tonight but he's coming off bench and will be on minutes restriction.”

— Michelle Gardner, Reporter (Twitter)

“Massamba Diop just detonated on Barrington Hargress on that inbounds oop. Oh, my.”

— Oliver Hayes (Twitter)

“Massamba Diop went a mile high for this lob dunk in Colorado. Wow.”

— Chris Karpman (Twitter)

What’s next

The Sun Devils will look to bounce back from this loss as they continue their Big 12 conference schedule.

The takeaway

Despite the Sun Devils' valiant comeback effort, led by the return of Santiago Trouet and a highlight-reel dunk from Massamba Diop, they were ultimately unable to overcome Colorado's lead built up in the first half. This game represents another 'what-if' scenario for Arizona State as they look to build momentum in the second half of the Big 12 season.