ASU Basketball toppled Oregon State in a 81-68 victory led by their backcourt. The Sun Devils are now 4-7 in Pac-12 play while the Beavers remain winless.
Arizona State’s backcourt trio of Shannon Evans II, Tra Holder and Torian Graham effectively controlled the game playing small-ball and combined for 61 of the Sun Devils 81 points. Ball movement was efficient as well, where the trio accounted for 75 percent of ASU’s assists.
What began as a back-and-forth battle became a blowout by the end of the first half. This was in large part due to the offensive efficiency and ball pressure displayed by Arizona State. The team poured in 10 threes on 17 shots behind the arc and forced 11 turnovers.
Despite getting out-rebounded 26-12 in the first half, The Sun Devils led 44-25 at the break. Junior guard Shannon Evans II led ASU in scoring with 12 of his 21 points in the opening period. Evans is becoming head coach Bobby Hurley’s go-to ball handler, as his crossover and explosive speed allow him to create shots for himself and his teammates.
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The Beavers scored 43 points in the second half, but couldn’t contain the Sun Devils, led by their veteran guards. Graham paced ASU with 12 points and two steals in the second frame.
Forward Drew Eubanks proved to be Oregon State’s biggest weapon, finishing the game with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Defensively, his size was a key in limiting ASU to 22 points inside the paint.
Despite coming into the game as underdogs, OSU managed to force ASU into foul trouble consistently throughout the night. The Sun Devils committed 20 fouls resulting in 18 free throws for the Beavers.
Guard Kodi Justice fouled out in 29 minutes and freshman forward Jethro Tshisumpa fouled out in just three minutes.
Stagnant ball movement and poor shooting were the downfalls for Oregon State, who shot just 39.7 percent for the game.
Guards Stephen Thompson Jr. and Jaquori McLaughlin struggled throughout the night, shooting a combined 9-29 on the night and picked up nine fouls. McLaughlin, who has been OSU’s leader in assists, turned the ball over six times.
The Sun Devils have three days to rest before facing Ivan Rabb and the California Golden Bears on Wednesday. Arizona State struggled down the stretch in that matchup but have elevated their play since and should be able to test head coach Cuonzo Martin’s team.
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Arizona State will tip off against the Golden Bears at 9 p.m. MST on Feb. 8. That game will be shown on ESPNU.