ASU Basketball: Resiliency makes Sun Devils a tough out

After fighting back from two double-digit deficits, a Senior Day victory eluded ASU basketball in an 84-83 loss to Stanford.

Despite an 8-10 record in conference play, Arizona State should not be overlooked in the postseason. In fact, the Sun Devils’ style of play makes them a potentially dangerous draw.

Facing deficits of 11 and 19 points against Stanford, the Sun Devils did what they do best when faced with adversity.

Play with resilience.

Possession by possession, ASU continued to inch its way into a game that appeared to be slipping away on two separate occasions.

While the outcome did not favor the Sun Devils, head coach Bobby Hurley‘s team showed just how unrelenting it can be.

Following a Dorian Pickens three-pointer with 16:56 remaining, the Wells Fargo Arena crowd fell silent as the Cardinal had their largest lead of 19 points. It was a somber scene on Senior Day for guards Tra Holder, Shannon Evans and Kodi Justice.

Enter Remy Martin.

With emotions running high, it was the freshman who remained composed in leading the charge for ASU. He scored 10 of his 15 points in a span of less than four minutes after Pickens’ shot.

Rallying around Martin, the rest of the offense started to click. In the same span, the Sun Devils trimmed the lead to five.

Though the outcome has not been the same each time, Arizona State has developed a reputation for its ability to climb out of a deficit.  They remain the only Pac-12 team without a double-digit loss this season.

Both of the Sun Devils’ marquee wins required ASU to comeback. The team trailed by 15 points to Xavier before winning by 16 and overcame a 13-point hole to stun Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse.

Next: ASU Basketball: Sun Devils fall short on Senior Night

With the Pac-12 Tournament on the horizon, Arizona State may not leave Las Vegas as champions. But it is almost certain that its opponents are going to be tested down to the final buzzer.