The Sun Devils suffered their first conference loss of the season tonight, falling to the Oregon Ducks by a score of 68-65.
The main difference in the game was free throw shooting. The Sun Devils shot 55.6% from the line, while the Ducks went 14-15.
With 15 seconds remaining in the game, forward Jonathan Gilling nearly tied the game up at 65-65, but his three-point shot just missed the mark. After a pair of Oregon free throws, Carson sped down the court to hit a deep three to make it a two point game at 67-65. Oregon forward E.J. Singler was then fouled, and hit one of two free throws. Carrick Felix heaved up a desperation three at the buzzer but it was to no avail.
In the second half, both teams went back and forth. ASU was able to recapture the lead with seven minutes left in the game after Carson found Gordon beneath the basket for a lay-up, making it a 54-53 ball game. However, ASU was only able to retain the lead for two minutes. Dotson hit a jumper at 4:54 to get make the game 57-56 in favor of Oregon. Ducks’ forward Arsalan Kazemi, then came off the bench and scored four crucial points to extend the lead.
In the first half, the Sun Devils came out controlling the tempo early. Gordon and Carson both hit big threes, and were able to get to the hoop with ease. At the 10:01 mark the Sun Devils held a 19-13 lead, but the Ducks were quick to respond after a timeout. Guard Damyean Dotson scored 10 points in the last 10 minutes of the half to regain the lead for the Ducks. In that same stretch the Sun Devils committed eight turnovers, which helped give Oregon the 32-28 lead at halftime.
The Ducks had four players in double digits, including forward Carlos Emory who had 14 points to go along with eight boards.
Guards Jahii Carson and Evan Gordon both had big nights for the Sun Devils. Carson led all scorers with 20 points, and also had seven rebounds and four assists. Gordon, who only had three points in conference play coming into the game, finished with 17 points.
The Sun Devils will take the court again on January 19th as they host in-state rival No. 4 Arizona.
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