The Arizona State men's basketball team experienced an unsuccessful follow-up to their first season after losing to West Virginia. They were struggling in the second half, marked by their inability to make shots and the defensive pressure from the Mountaineers. The defeat prolonged the recent downturn experienced by ASU and brought to the fore the current problems on both ends of the floor.
Strong start, slow finish
Arizona State developed an early lead and seemed to be in control with much of the first half as they opened with a double-digit lead. But that beat was gone after the interlude. Their offense failed to perform consistently, resulting in rushed possession and a lack of ball movement that made the Sun Devils lose in the second half, 40 to 26.
The groove finder in West Virginia
West Virginia took advantage of the plight of ASU by playing defensively and achieving victory behind the arc. Guard Treysen Eaglestaff was the first to fall, and he hit six three-pointers and had the highest number of points in the game with 23. His shot was critical in removing the deficit and putting the tide squarely in the favor of the Mountaineers.
West Virginia raised its defensive intensity after halftime, effectively disrupting Arizona State’s offensive rhythm. West Virginia had Arizona State at only 38 percent shooting in the second half and had to make contested shots and had few clean shooting chances. ASU had a difficult time adapting and letting the visitors determine the speed.
Home woes continue
The defeat also highlighted the current home problems of Arizona State. Head coach Bobby Hurley got upset about the energy in the arena. He stated that the team could not create a real home-court advantage. This was also the third loss of ASU in three games and its seventh in eight games, which reiterates the need to be consistent and refocus after the season.