The Arizona State Sun Devils dominated the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks and won 73-48 in Tempe. ASU dominated the game throughout with a strong performance in terms of shooting, overwhelming rebounds, and a strong second-half surge. Both teams had shown the courage to play harder to win. But this time, ASU outclasses Northern Arizona.
First-Half Control
Arizona State started the game with a consistent attack and strong defense, going into the halftime with a lead of 3526. Although NAU was able to remain competitive in the initial stages, poor shooting and rebounding prevented it from building momentum.
Second-Half Breakaway
The latter half was in the hands of the Sun Devils. ASU started with a strong 15 2 run, extending the gap impossible to bridge. Northern Arizona had a tough time, only making 7-of-27 out of the field during the half. By the last buzzer, the ASU had defeated NAU 38- 22 in the second period.
Statistical Breakdown
Shooting
Arizona State was shooting 50 percent with 26 of 52 becoming successful. Compared to Northern Arizona, they fared poorly as they made only 17 out of 51 shots, equivalent to 33.3, and it played into their failure to maintain the same pace as ASU in the scoring game.
3-Pointers
Outside of the arc, ASU made 6-of-19, which was 31.6 percent, whereas NAU made 5-of-26, which was 19.2 percent. The Sun Devils had a further offensive advantage with more controlled perimeter shooting.
Free Throws
In the free-throw line, ASU had 15 out of 22 points with 68.2 percent. Northern Arizona, with fewer opportunities, was more effective, hitting 9 out of 10 shots with a good 90 percent performance.
Rebounding
Arizona State dominated the glass with 41 rebounds, including 8 offensive and 30 defensive boards. Northern Arizona grabbed 25 rebounds (3 offensive, 22 defensive), while Arizona State dominated with 41 total boards. This provided ASU a decisive edge in second-chance scoring and in total possession.
Game Flow Summary
The ratio of Arizona State in terms of scoring, interior control, and defensive pressure prevented NAU from getting the rhythm. The Sun Devils controlled the two extremes of the floor, particularly in the second half, and their productivity in the arc eventually decided the matchups between the two teams.
The Sun Devils demonstrated how they are regarded as a powerful offensive and rebounding team this season. The team effort and impressive performances by the players saw ASU overpower the Lumberjacks and move on with the form.