Head coach Bobby Hurley needed his guys to rebound big time after an embarrassing 20-point loss to BYU in their Big 12 debut on New Year's Eve. Boy, did he get it on Saturday.
Arizona State took its frustrations from the previous game out on a tough Colorado team 81-61. The team took a 13-point lead into halftime after dominating defensively.
The Devils also got the win without their top scorer in freshman Joson Sanon who suffered an ankle injury late in the BYU loss. BJ Freeman led the team with 19 points and took a commanding role in Sanon's absence.
ASU dominates Colorado despite losing two top scorers
On top of losing Sanon against the Buffaloes, Freeman was ejected in the second half for a flagrant two foul. The officials determined he intentionally swung his arm into the groin of Colorado's Trevor Baskin when he was trying to get around a pick he was setting. The replay review was lengthy and clearly being able to tell Freeman's intent was shaky at best.
This is what they called a Flagrant 2 against Freeman. The call implies intent that is tough to determine IMO. pic.twitter.com/NqNv8l1lVM
— Chris Karpman (@ChrisKarpman) January 5, 2025
Despite the controversial decision, ASU didn't falter in its domination of Colorado on both ends of the court. The 20-point win earned the team its first win as a member of the Big 12 Conference in its second attempt.
ASU's form against Colorado was more of what fans were beginning to see during non-conference play and hope will stay consistent as the season goes on.
The Devils shot a blistering 51.9 percent from the field, including 13 buckets from beyond the three-point line (46.4 percent). Basheer Jihad led the team with four threes, as one of four who reached double-digits on the impressive night.
ASU (10-3) next faces No. 7 Kansas on the road Jan. 8 in what will be its biggest test of the season. It won't necessarily be a must-win contest but a win would go a long way in boosting its resume as March quickly approaches.