Collins, Arizona State rally past VCU 63-59 in Legends

Updated Nov. 16, 2022 11:19 p.m. ET

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Frankie Collins scored 15 points and Arizona State erased an 11-point deficit as VCU went cold and the Sun Devils won 63-59 on Wednesday night in the Legends Classic at Barclays Center.

Arizona State (3-1) plays No. 20 Michigan in the championship game on Thursday night after VCU plays Pittsburgh.

David Shriver knocked down a 3-pointer with 8:58 to play to give the Rams (2-1) a 52-41 lead but from there they didn't make another shot, missing nine times. Collins shook loose for a dunk and converted a three-point play to start the rally.

The Sun Devils also got five crucial points from Duke Brennan down the stretch after Warren Washington fouled out.

DJ Horne and Austin Nunez drilled back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at 56. After a VCU free throw, Brennan was fouled. His first free throw tied the game but when he missed the second he followed his shot and made a layup for the first ASU lead since 23-22.

VCU tied it at 59 with its final two free throws — the Rams were 15 of 16 from the line in the second half — with 1:50 to go. The teams traded turnovers before Desmond Cambridge Jr. knocked down a jumper. After a VCU miss Horne made it a two-possession game from the foul line.

Horne scored 12 points, Cambridge and Nunez had 10 each for ASU.

Jayden Nunn scored 13 points to lead VCU with Jamir Watkins and Brandon Johns Jr., adding 10 each.

Nunn and Watkins combined for 21 points in the first half as the Rams shot 50% from the floor to open a 35-28 lead. VCU scored the last six points while the Sun Devils were scoreless of the last three minutes. Then the Rams shot 17% (4 of 23) in the second half.

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