Devils in Detail
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Arizona State MBB completes comeback over scrappy New Mexico in Acrisure Classic

After a poor end to the first half, ASU made a gritty effort in the second frame to take back the lead and hold it.

By Austen Bundy

Nov 10, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard BJ Freeman (10) walks off the court after a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga Bulldogs won 88-80. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard BJ Freeman (10) walks off the court after a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga Bulldogs won 88-80. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images / James Snook-Imagn Images
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Sun Devil basketball never seems to be able to handle games with ease like other top programs in the Big 12, there's always an element of stress and white-knuckling involved.

Late on Thanksgiving Night in Palm Springs, California, Arizona State made a strong come-from-behind effort to beat a scrappy New Mexico team 85-82.

Basheer Jihad and Joson Sanon led the team with 20 and 19 points each respectively, the latter fully embracing his new role off the bench having logged double-digit scoring in his last four appearances coming off the sideline.

ASU actually dominated the first half, sinking four three-pointers - two of them from Sanon - but ultimately coughed up a 13 point lead in the final six minutes before the break. New Mexico finished on a 16-1 run despite being outshot by the Sun Devils (40.6% from the field compared to the Lobos' 38.7%).

Foul trouble put ASU in peril early, handing New Mexico 12 attempts from the free throw line of which they sunk 10. The Lobos also thrived under the basket, outrebounding ASU 22-18. Three late turnovers sprang the late run by New Mexico which was thankfully ended by the clock.

Sun Devil hoops is rolling despite white-knuckle finishes

Head coach Bobby Hurley must've given the boys some serious notes in the locker room because after they came out on the court for the second half, it was a completely different team down the stretch.

ASU out-scored New Mexico 51-45 in the final frame, ending the night shooting 47.3% from the field and taking care of business from the charity stripe when it eventually regained the lead in the final minutes (75%).

The Lobos didn't go quietly into the night, however, getting back within a single point with seconds remaining but being unable to hit the game-tying heave with the clock expiring.

ASU (6-1) now advances to the Acrisure Classic Championship Game on Friday against Saint Mary's (7-0), which vanquished USC (5-2) earlier on Thursday. The Trojans await the Lobos (5-2) in the consolation final on the same day.