ASU simply outclassed by No. 5 Houston in late-season rout

Sun Devil fans probably didn't expect much in the way of an upset Tuesday against No. 5 Houston. They were right as the Big 12-leading Cougars routed ASU 80-65, further cementing its chokehold on the conference.

Head coach Bobby Hurley had freshman phenom Jayden Quaintance back in the rotation but that didn't mean much in the loss. Quaintance did not log a single point after coming back from his three-game injury absence, though he did have to return to the locker room during the second half for an unknown reason.

Once again, turnovers and sloppy play cost the team a shot at a signature win in what has been a disappointing season to say the least. Houston scored 20 points off ASU's 13 turnovers, essentially the difference in the final score.

Despite showing fight, ASU could not handle hot-handed No. 5 Houston

The Sun Devils finished the game on an impressive 15-7 run. Having been down by as much as 23, Hurley's squad at least proved it won't roll over when faced with an insurmountable obstacle.

Alston Mason led the team (and all scorers) with 26 points, knocking down four three-pointers in the process. BJ Freeman followed with 17 points of his own but it was all for naught as Houston had three players in double-digits and two more with at least eight each.

"Coach Sampson is a legend of this game and it was impressive to watch his team play the way they did. They were the better team tonight and they manhandled us," Hurley told reporters post game.

Houston (22-4) continues to lead the Big 12 and will likely find itself as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament come mid-March. ASU (12-14) won't see the postseason unless it can pull off a miracle and run the table at the Big 12 Tournament.