ASU Basketball: Sun Devils Beat Oregon State 72-62, Lead Pac-12 Standings

The Jahii Carson show came to Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon, on Thursday night, and while the local patrons found little to enjoy in Arizona State basketball’s win against the Oregon State Beavers, ASU Sun Devil fans took satisfaction in the 72-62 victory. ASU prevailed in its conference road opener for the third time in the past six seasons.

Carson put on the kind of performance that’s gained him a reputation as one of the best young point guards in the land. Whether it was using his dazzling speed to drive to the basket, or dishing the ball to the right teammate at the right time, Carson took center stage early in Thursday night’s match-up. He completed the evening with 20 points on 9-19 shooting, and added four assists and three steals.

Carson wasn’t the only Sun Devil to showcase his talent on the Oregon State hardwood. ASU had four players in double digits, including Carrick Felix, Jonathon Gilling, Jordan Bachynski and Carson. Felix went 7-14 from the field and had a team-high 14 rebounds, posting his fifth double-double in the past 10 outings. Gilling finished with 14 points on 6-13 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Bachynski was one rebound short of a double-double, knocking down 10 points and nine rebounds.

By defeating Oregon State, ASU improved to 3-0 in the Pac-12. However, the game had its tense moments. With 14 minutes left, the Sun Devils led 52-37, but the Beavers kept battling. Oregon State had a 14-3 run to close within four points. Felix then stepped up to stretch the margin to six. Oregon State twice pulled within four again, but that was as close as it got.

Mission accomplished for ASU.

Arizona State coach Herb Sendek commented, “This is a difficult place to come and get a win and I was really proud of our guys’ effort tonight, especially on the defensive end of the court…offensively we did a good job taking care of the ball and the possessions where we played the right way worked out for us. In a few instances we got away from what we should be doing, but a great win. I thought our guys really competed and did a really nice job.”

Arizona State benefited from its usual stout defense while in Corvallis. It limited the Beavers to just .373 from the field (22-of-59) and only 5-of-22 (.227) from three-point range. This was ASU’s sixth straight victory of the season, taking most college basketball observers by surprise.

The Carson and Co. hoops extravaganza now travels to Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday for a 6:00 pm (PT) tip-off against the Oregon Ducks. Expect more daring play and amazing feats from the Sun Devils!