The Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal is set to pit the Cincinnati Bearcats against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Surprise Stadium on Thursday, a clash that could reshape the conference’s semifinal picture.
Rankings and Records
The Sun Devils enter the game ranked No. 21 nationally with a 36‑18 overall record, while the Bearcats sit at No. 22 with a 37‑19 slate. Both teams finished the regular season with strong performances, setting the stage for a high‑stakes matchup.
The victor will advance to the semifinals scheduled for Friday, where a new opponent will await the winner of this quarterfinal showdown.
Key Players to Watch
Cincinnati’s offense is anchored by Quinton Coats, who leads the team with a .343 batting average, 28 home runs and 78 RBIs. Across the diamond, Arizona State’s top hitter Landon Hairston boasts a .421 average, 27 homers and 77 RBIs, making him a formidable counterpart.
Pitching duties for the Sun Devils will be handled by Kole Klecker, who has posted a 5.37 ERA and recorded 60 strikeouts over 57 innings this season, adding depth to a rotation that aims to contain the Bearcats’ lineup.
The Big 12 Conference, the governing body of the tournament, will oversee the proceedings, ensuring that the competition adheres to its established format and rules.