ASU Basketball: Sun Devils Come Up Short

Feb 19, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils center Jordan Bachynski (13) blocks an attempt by Colorado Buffaloes forward Josh Scott (40) in the second half at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Sun Devils 61-52. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

This article was contributed by Jesse Borek

After an abysmal night shooting from the field, the Sun Devils (19-7, 8-5) fell on the road 61-52 to the Colorado Buffaloes (20-7, 9-5).

Overall, the team finished 17-54 (31.5%) from the floor, forcing their defense to be flawless in order to pick up the tough road victory in Boulder, which it could not manage.  On the shoulders of Askia Booker, the Buffaloes made sure the Sun Devils fourth straight victory was not to be.

As can be common amongst college athletics, a letdown of sorts can occur after a crucial victory.  Regardless if the players and coaching staff acknowledge it or not, Arizona State came out listless on the road after what was the biggest win in school history at home just five nights ago.

The highlights were shown on television all week of Jordan Bachynski’s game sealing block to preserve the Sun Devils upset win, but on this Wednesday night, his presence was certainly not as nearly impactful.

Bachynski was in foul trouble from the onset, and could never quite get into a rhythm from the floor, as Colorado did a fantastic job of swarming the ball once the Sun Devil bigs put it on the deck.  Finishing with only four points, three rebounds and one blocked shot, the value of the 7’2” center cannot be understated in order for Arizona State to be successful.

The other hero from the upset victory last Friday night against Arizona, Jermaine Marshall, did not bring his velvety touch to the Mile High state.  Marshall never quite found his groove, going 3-13 from the field, and 1-8 from three point land.  Marshall finished the night with just seven points after his 29-point outburst that earned him PAC-12 Player of the Week honors.

Showing up to play tonight was Jahii Carson.  After being bottled up by the swarming defense of T.J. McConnell and the other Wildcats, Carson welcomed the site of anyone else guarding him.  His exuberance showed early as he fired a jumpshot that came up short for an air ball, but nonetheless established his intentions for the evening, and that was to be aggressive.

Carson was no exception to the rule on this night from the field, as even he finished with a mere 5-15 effort.  His 18 points paced the way, but his 1:5 assist to turnover ratio is another caution flag that may not have NBA scouts jumping for joy.

In what was almost an unbelievable occurrence, this game seemed to take on an even slower pace than the rivalry game of Friday night.  Scoring exactly 26 points in each half, the Sun Devils were constantly forcing up tough shots late in the shot clock, and did not manage to have one basket the entire night that was unimpeded.

If not for Jon Gilling’s curious hot streak towards the end of the game, Arizona State may not have had much of a chance at all after the junior forward from Denmark returned to his sharpshooting ways by banging three consecutive threes in under a minute and a half of basketball.  His demotion to the bench from the starting lineup may prove to be crucial as his scoring in a complimentary role is going to be vital in both the PAC-12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament as well.

Up next for Arizona State are the Utah Utes (17-9, 6-8), who sent the Arizona Wildcats to overtime earlier last night.  Utah gets a chance at redemption this Sunday night at 6 PM when they welcome in the other team from the state of Arizona, the Sun Devils.

Earlier this season, on January 23, the Sun Devils knocked off the Utes 79-75 on the back of Jahii Carson and his 23-point effort.  This rematch will also feature the collision of the Bachynski brothers, as Jordan (ASU) takes on Dallin (Utah).