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ASU Men’s Basketball: Sacramento State preview

(Photo: Scotty Bara/WCSN)

Following an impressive exhibition win over Western New Mexico, the Arizona State Sun Devils will get their first taste of game action against the Sacramento State Hornets on Friday.

Last time out, ASU’s 102-34 win over Western New Mexico was led by junior forward Obinna Oleka, who dropped in game-highs with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Sun Devils held the Mustangs to a measly 17 percent shooting for the game and won the rebounding battle 62-28. They controlled the game from start to finish.

The Sacramento State Hornets also won their first exhibition game of the season 103-63 over Simpson. Junior forward Nick Hornsby led the way for the Hornets, flirting with a triple-double in scoring 14 points, grabbing 13 boards, and dishing out 6 assists.

5 Big Questions

Who will win the battle on the boards

In Sacramento State’s win over Simpson, they outrebounded the Red Hawks 55-24. In ASU’s win over Western New Mexico, they outrebounded the Mustangs 62-28. This was the most significant margin in any statistical category in both games played. For the Sun Devils to take down the Hornets, they will have to apply the same type of pressure on the glass. Although the game contains multiple facets, whoever controls the boards will certainly have the upper hand in the game.

Will the newcomers produce?

The Sun Devils lost leading-scorer Shaquille McKissic along with two key cogs in Jonathan Gilling and Bo Barnes, who both averaged almost 20 minutes a game last year. The rotation will look significantly different with the emergence of several new JUCO transfers. Oleka looks to be a major bright spot after being the best player on the floor in the exhibition game. Another exciting transfer is junior guard Andre Spight from South Plains College in Texas, who started the exhibition for ASU. He tallied 15 points and 5 rebounds in an efficient 5-for-6 shooting performance. He looked sharp on offense and was active on defense, nabbing three steals from the Mustangs. If Oleka, Spight, and transfer sophomore guard Maurice O’Field can produce, the Sun Devils will be hard to stop.

Can the Sun Devils produce from beyond the arc?

Along with McKissic last year, ASU lost its two other key three-point threats in Barnes and Gilling. The three of them combined to hit 62 percent of the team’s three-pointers last year. With them gone, others have to step up their shot making from long range. This will start with senior guard Gerry Blakes, who was fourth on the team last year with 39 three-pointers. The highest three-point shooting percentage on the team last year was actually amassed by sophomore guard Kodi Justice who is returning this year. Justice only played in 18 games last year after suffering a season-ending foot injury in January. He shot an outstanding 46 percent from deep and if he and Blakes can get it going, the Hornets will struggle to stop ASU.

Can Jacobsen control the paint?

Arguably the team’s most important returning starter, senior forward Eric Jacobsen will need to play huge down low against Sacramento State. As the tallest player for the Sun Devils, it is imperative for him to take control in the post and protect on the defensive end. The only other player for ASU listed as taller than 6-foot-7 is freshman Andre Adams, who is not playing due to an ACL injury. Jacobsen will be forced to carry a huge load throughout this game and the rest of the season. The team’s success may depend on his production.

Can the Sun Devils stop Sacramento State’s balanced attack?

Sacramento State is a very balanced team. The Hornets shot 40 percent from downtown and amassed 24 assists on their 34 field goals during their game against Simpson. They get into open spaces and are good at finding the open man. All 13 players on their roster scored and eight of their players had at least seven points. To win the game, ASU will have to play smart on the defensive end. Missed assignments and mental lapses could be detrimental to the team.

The game will take place Friday at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe. Opening tip is scheduled for 5:30pm MT.