ASU Men’s Basketball: Sun Devils stun No. 6 Arizona in Tempe for the second straight season.

(Photo: Scotty Bara/WCSN)

 

In traditional Territorial Cup logic, Arizona State broke all logical analytic predictions and stunned No. 6 Arizona, 81-78. 

To make a long story short, this game was strange. Despite having nine first-half turnovers, the Sun Devils maintained a 41-34 lead heading into the locker room, and the game was filled with as many mental errors as it was highlights.

ASU saw various players step up in spurts. In the first half, Holder broke out for 10 points and five assists while sophomore forward Savon Goodman started a perfect 7-for-7 from the field. He would finish the game with 15 points and nine rebounds. The two linked up for a beautiful alley-oop pass that capped a 9-0 for ASU late in the first half.

The second half was ever as exciting and back-and-forth as the first, and both teams struggled with several players deep into foul trouble. Senior forwards Bo Barnes and Jonathan Gilling stepped up on the defensive end on Arizona’s interior players when Jacobsen sat out with four fouls.

Barnes also hit a big three-pointer to spark ASU toward the win off of a pass from Holder.

Arizona’s freshman guard Stanley Johnson struggled mightily, picking up several fouls and going just 6-for-17 from the field before eventually fouling out late.

Despite all their efforts, the Wildcats could not catch the Sun Devils, and ASU upset its rivals for the second year in a row.

Players of the Game: Tra Holder and Savon Goodman

In many aspects, this game came down to Arizona senior point guard T.J. McConnell and Holder. In many aspects, Holder outplayed McConnell. The freshman posted 15 points, went 8-for-9 from the free-throw line and committed just two turnovers. His improvements have been evident over the last few weeks, and it all came together against Arizona. 

For as good as Holder was in the backcourt, Goodman was just as good if not better down low. With Jacobsen dealing with foul trouble for most of the game, Goodman battled inside with the much bigger Arizona frontcourt and racked up 15 points and nine rebounds, including several key defensive rebounds to preserve the win. 

Biggest Concern: N/A

The Sun Devils just upset the No. 6 team in the country. There was nothing to worry about tonight.

Stat of the Game: 78.6 percent free-throw shooting

Normally a poor spot for ASU, the Sun Devils sunk several key free throws to end the game and preserve the lead.

What’s next?

ASU travels to play Washington State on February 13. 

You can reach Zac Pacleb on Twitter @ZacPacleb or via email at zacpacleb@gmail.com

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