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Phoenix, Arizona – Mortgage Matchup Center Jerry Colangelo Classic
Part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Series

The Jerry Colangelo Classic has become one of the premier early-season showcases in college basketball, uniting four programs with passionate fan bases, contrasting styles, and NCAA Tournament aspirations. This year’s doubleheader features two compelling matchups with deep tactical wrinkles: Grand Canyon vs. Oklahoma State to open the evening, followed by a late-night showdown between Arizona State and Oklahoma.

With all four teams ranked between 46 and 102 in KenPom efficiency, both contests project as tight, high-leverage battles that could have March implications.

Jerry Colangelo Classic Game 1 – Grand Canyon vs. Oklahoma State

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Tip: 5:30 PM Local (7:30 PM ET)

Game Preview

Grand Canyon enters the matchup with an efficient, balanced profile—106.9 adjusted offensive efficiency with a 108.0 defensive mark—and one of the better turnover-forcing defenses in the country. Oklahoma State comes in slightly stronger in the analytics, ranked 51st nationally with an impressive 115.7 offensive efficiency.

The contrast in styles will define this matchup:

When Oklahoma State has the ball

Oklahoma State shoots the ball well—54.9% effective FG%—and thrives inside the arc with a roster full of athletic slashers. Their biggest advantage comes from their elite 18.4% turnover rate, one of the lowest in the field, thanks to steady point guard play and a structured half-court offense.

Grand Canyon’s defense excels at taking away transition and forcing teams into late-clock possessions. They allow just 0.90 points per possession on first-shot half-court actions, but they can be vulnerable on the offensive glass—an area where Oklahoma State posts a strong 35.4% offensive rebound rate.

When Grand Canyon has the ball

Grand Canyon’s calling card is balance:

52.0% effective FG%
20.7% turnover rate (a bit high)
33.0% free-throw rate (top-tier)

They attack the paint relentlessly and have one of the highest free-throw dependency rates among mid-major programs. Oklahoma State’s defense, however, has excelled at suppressing opponent 3-point attempts while maintaining a strong 14.6% block rate inside.

This matchup likely swings on whether GCU can generate efficient offense without coughing up possessions. If they can rattle Oklahoma State defensively and control the tempo at home in Phoenix, the Antelopes have a real path to an upset.

Potential Breakout Candidate:

Jaylen Curry – Oklahoma State

Curry’s usage rate spikes in games against teams that hedge aggressively on ball screens, and Grand Canyon’s scheme fits that mold. His 27.5% assist rate, combined with an improving 38.7% from three, makes him the prime candidate to ignite a big run. Expect him to be the pace-setter in this matchup.

Projected Score:

Oklahoma State 73, Grand Canyon 67
OSU’s efficiency and superior ball security give them the edge in crunch time, though the home-court lift for GCU will keep this competitive throughout.

Jerry Colangelo Classic Game 2 – Arizona State vs. Oklahoma

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Tip: 8:00 PM Local (10:00 PM ET)

Game Preview

This matchup is the headliner—a classic Big 12/SEC collision of tempo, length, and perimeter firepower. Oklahoma comes in ranked 46th, powered by a potent offense (120.8 adj. O) and dynamic perimeter scoring. Arizona State, ranked 82nd, leans on athleticism and pace to generate offense in transition while seeking consistency in the half-court.

When Oklahoma has the ball

The Sooners are deadly efficient:

56.3% effective FG%
31.0% from three, 54.7% from two
75.6% at the free-throw line

However, their real advantage is the quality of their shots. Oklahoma takes 33% of its attempts from three, but the interior scoring—led by strong screen action and rim pressure—sets the rhythm.

Arizona State’s defense struggles against teams that consistently hit the paint, allowing a 57.6% opponent 2-point percentage. If Oklahoma dictates matchups through switches, ASU’s back line will be under constant stress.

When Arizona State has the ball

ASU’s swing factor is shotmaking. They are shooting:

53.1% eFG% (strong)
37.0% from three (surprisingly potent)

The Sun Devils rely heavily on transition opportunities and second-chance points, securing 34.4% of offensive rebounds—a major strength.

However, Oklahoma’s defense quietly excels at limiting clean perimeter looks and holding teams to 31.4% from three. If the Sooners successfully drag this game into a half-court exchange, ASU may go through long scoring droughts.

Expect a tug-of-war between Oklahoma’s ball movement and ASU’s pace-driven, attacking style.

Potential Breakout Candidate:

Anthony Johnson – Arizona State

Johnson’s 31.5% usage, ability to get downhill, and improved shooting touch make him the most likely Sun Devil to shift this matchup. Oklahoma struggles against high-usage guards who thrive on pull-up scoring, and Johnson fits that mold perfectly.

Projected Score:

Oklahoma 78, Arizona State 71
The Sooners’ offensive versatility gives them the upper hand, though ASU’s athleticism ensures this one stays close into the final minutes.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Jerry Colangelo Classic promises exactly what fans expect from a Hall of Fame Series event—tempo clashes, star guards, and NCAA-Tournament caliber intensity. Oklahoma schools enter as narrow favorites in both matchups, but the Phoenix setting gives local programs Grand Canyon and Arizona State legitimate upset potential.

As December basketball steps into full stride, this doubleheader could become a turning point for all four teams as they define their identity heading toward conference play.

Interested in the games? Here is the link to buy tickets to watch these 2 high-powered matchups!