Nevada, Arizona State meet in clash of undefeated teams

More than 350 Division I basketball teams began the season last month with zero losses. It took about a month for that number to be reduced to 11.

And two of those teams will meet Friday night in a key non-conference test for both.

No. 6 Nevada (8-0) and No. 20 Arizona State (7-0) will play the late game in the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic at Staples Center in Los Angeles. And, one way or another, the roster of the nation’s undefeated teams will be reduced by one.

Nevada head coach Eric Musselman isn’t focusing on the records, though. He views the game as a great challenge against a quality opponent for a Wolf Pack team that is in the midst of a 25-day stretch between home games. Nevada has won four straight games away from Lawlor Events Center.

“I’ve really been impressed with the job that the guys have done (with) a stretch of six games away from home,” Musselman said. “Four are in the books, and we have two more games before we get to come back home and play a game.

“We don’t really pay attention to the outside things that are being said … (for) the guys in uniform, we’re not going to walk in today and talk to them about being one of however teams are undefeated. We’re not walking in there today and telling them we’re ranked, or that Arizona State’s ranked.”

The Wolf Pack’s current road journey has included games in casino arenas (Las Vegas Holiday Invitational), big gyms (USC), and small gyms (Loyola). Next up is a game in one of the world’s most famous arenas, the downtown L.A. Staples Center, home to both the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers.

The Basketball Hall of Fame triple-header also features games between Saint Mary’s (5-4) and New Mexico (4-2), along with TCU (6-1) and USC (5-3).

“I’m crazy-excited,” Nevada forward Tre’Shawn Thurman said. “Some of the guys last year got an opportunity to play there, (but) I’ve never played in an NBA arena before. There’s a lot of history there … it’s going to be a great opportunity to play in L.A.”

Arizona State has not played since Dec. 1, an 83-71 win over Texas Southern. The Sun Devils have won their seven games by an average of 15.4 points; Nevada has won its eight by 20.0 points.

ASU has been led so far by 6-foot-4 freshman Luguentz Dort, who is averaging a team-leading 21.7 points per game, while also hauling in 6.6 rebounds per game (second on the team).

The Pack has a quick turnaround for its next two games. After facing Arizona State in a game that will likely end near 11 p.m. on Friday night, Nevada will play Grand Canyon in Phoenix on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Probable starters

Nevada

Coach: Eric Musselman (fourth season, 89-24)

Jordan Caroline (18.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg)

Caleb Martin (19.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg)

Cody Martin (9.9 ppg, 6.5 apg)

Trey Porter (7.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg)

Tre’Shawn Thurman (9.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg)

Arizona State

Coach: Bobby Hurley (fourth season, 57-47)

Zylan Cheatham (12.4 ppg, 5.1 apg)

Taeshon Cherry (9.0 ppg, 42% 3s)

Luguentz Dort (21.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg)

Kimani Lawrence (15.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg)

Romello White (7.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg)

Wolf Pack basketball

Who: Nevada (8-0) vs. Arizona State (7-0)

When: Friday, 9 p.m.

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles (18,997)

TV: ESPN2

Radio: 94.5 FM/630 AM (John Ramey)

Series: Nevada leads, 4-2

Last time: Nevada 69, Arizona State 61 (2011-12)