ASU basketball came away with a big 88-78 win against the Washington State Cougars. After a shaky start to the game, the Sun Devils pulled away against the Cougs to improve their record 17-6.
The Sun Devils three point game took a backseat to the frontcourt today. Struggling with their three point shooting, finishing with 33 percent from beyond the arc, the Sun Devils adjusted their game to create quite a show in the frontcourt. With 50 of their 88 points in the paint ASU’s frontcourt was the defining factor in their win at Pullman.
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Big man Romello White was huge in keeping the Sun Devils alive in the first half where the 3-point shot was just not working for the Sun Devils. White recorded 21 points and 9 rebounds for the Sun Devils.
Against the No. 1 3-point-shooting team in the country, the Sun Devils could not afford to put up points early into the game.
Despite their performance in the frontcourt, the guards were still huge in contributing to the Sun Devils’ much needed win. With senior guards Tra Holder and Shannon Evans II recording 20 and 21 points, and forcing 18 turnover, the guards were out to show the capability of Guard U.
On the other side of the ball, ASU out-defended the Cougs both on transition and within the key. With 10 steals and 34 points off of turnovers, the Sun Devils easily capitalized on Washington State’s mistakes and struggles.
However, the Cougs guards were relentless against the Sun Devils with a combined 34 points from sophomore guards Malachi Flynn and Carter Skaggs. Junior guard Viont’e Daniels was also crucial for the Cougs, putting up 18 points and going 4-of-7 from the perimeter.
Next: ASU Basketball: Washington outlasts Sun Devils in crunch time
The Sun Devils’ ability to adjust between frontcourt and backcourt play allowed them to set the tempo early and come away with an away win. Arizona State returns to Wells Fargo Arena to face USC Thursday.