ASU Basketball: Preview for the Longhorns

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday night, ASU plays Texas in the first round of the Midwest Regional.  Tip-off is at 6:40 pm.

For ASU, this is only their second trip to the big dance since the James Harden era.  The Sun Devils earned a #10 seed. Texas, meanwhile is back to the tournament after only a one year hiatus.  The Longhorns are the #7 seed.

The book on Texas is similar to that of ASU’s. They were a solid team in the Big 12, having some good wins and bad losses.  Talented, but inconsistent, Texas has not proven themselves to be a great shooting team, shooting only about 38% from the field.  They are, however an excellent rebounding team.  That dynamic will be interesting to watch, as ASU has been out-rebounded in nearly every game this season.

Texas is also regarded as a hard-nosed defensive team, holding their opponents to under 40% shooting.  This also will be a stiff test for ASU.  The Sun Devils have not been consistent with their movement and screening on offense, relying mostly on their athleticism to create scoring opportunities.

Needless to say, ASU will have to step up their game for this contest.  It’s tournament time.  The Sun Devil leadership will have to lead the charge with unselfish play.  They cannot get out-worked and they must be willing to “get dirty” setting solid screens and making the defense work.

Most of all, ASU absolutely must come out ready to play.  In the last 3 games, they were in a hole early and were forced to claw their way back for the next 35 minutes.  Those efforts were fruitless and they will be again versus Texas.  The Longhorns, like all teams participating in March Madness will be playing with high energy and focus, trying to prove that they are worthy of being there.  ASU has to match that intensity from the opening tip.

ASU is totally capable of knocking off Texas and making their part of the bracket interesting.  But there are no more second chances.  This Sun Devil squad has to show their true colors as competitors or they will be on the charter home early Friday morning.