It’s big because it’s a rivalry clash.

It’s crucial because it could mean increasing a first-place lead in an air-tight conference.

It’s important because it could mean six wins in a row over the foe from Tucson.

But Saturday’s ASU-UA men’s basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena means much more than all those things.

The reason? Sun Devil Nation needs something to get excited about.

Let’s face it — the fall sports season in Tempe was difficult to bear. It clearly started on the gridiron, where ASU suffered through its second straight losing season, leaving the Maroon and Gold faithful to pull out hair and wonder where everything went wrong.

After strong starts to their seasons, the school’s volleyball and soccer teams also struggled down the stretch.

But as the saying goes, hope springs eternal, and the spring semester is upon us.

New season. New sports. New reasons to be excited.

This weekend’s rivalry tilt could be a great way to awake from the winter break doldrums and work out the vocal chords.

The Sun Devils are currently in first place in the Pac-10, and with a conference as unpredictable as a Ron Artest sound bite, the squad has its sights set on the title.

Sounds like something to get excited about.