ASU Basketball: Sun Devils host mid-major McNeese State
By Carson Field
Three days after defeating Cal State Fullerton in double overtime, ASU basketball hosts McNeese State in its second game of the season.
It wasn’t a pretty start to the season for Arizona State.
Regardless, the Sun Devils are 1-0 — just like they would’ve been if they’d won by 30. Instead, the Sun Devils needed an additional 10 minutes to defeat Cal State Fullerton 102-94.
In the win, the starting five was responsible for 80 of the Sun Devils’ 102 points. Freshman Luguentz Dort led the way with 28 points, and four other ASU players finished with at least 10 of their own.
Dort showed why he was among the nation’s top prospects in the win, but he was one of many Sun Devils who struggled from the free-throw line. The freshman went 7-for-13 from the charity stripe in the opener, and as a team, the Sun Devils recorded a free-throw percentage of 59.1.
Free throw woes aside, the Sun Devils snuck past the Titans. Now, ASU sets its sights toward a matchup against McNeese State on Friday.
A Southland Conference member, McNeese State began its 2018-19 season Wednesday, falling on the road to St. Mary’s. A year ago, the Cowboys finished toward the bottom of the conference, posting a record of 11-17 (8-10 Southland).
This year, McNeese State is without two of its three leading scorers in Kalob Ledoux and Quatarrius Wilson, who combined for 25.6 points per game in 2017-18.
The Cowboys do, however, return Jarren Greenwood. A year ago, Greenwood was second on the team with 13 points per game. He also led the team in assists per game, averaging 3.1.
As far as newcomers, center and UMass transfer Malik Hines is a boost to the McNeese State frontcourt.
Against St. Mary’s, Hines led the Cowboys in scoring with 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting. Before arriving in Lake Charles, Hines averaged 9.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest with the Minutemen.
ASU Basketball: Sun Devil guards outlast Cal State Fullerton in double OT. dark. Next
The McNeese State matchup is one of a few games with mid-majors for the Sun Devils before the heat of the non-conference schedule. Friday’s game begins at 7 p.m. MT and can be seen on the Pac-12 Networks.