ASU MBB: Sun Devils Fall to New Mexico State University
ASU Basketball fell to New Mexico State in a 81-70 loss . This was the Sun Devils’ first loss at Wells Fargo Arena this year.
There was some uncertainty about what to expect coming into tonight’s game. NMSU had won its last seven games, but hadn’t faced a formidable opponent during that stretch. For ASU, the transfer of Sam Cunliffe and shaky defense left much to be determined.
After starting the game with a quick three point lead, the Sun Devils trailed the Aggies 21-11 halfway through the first period. The offensive output of guard Codi Justice and forward Obinna Oleka, who finished the first half with nine points a piece, breathed life back into head coach Bobby Hurley’s team.
ASU trailed 38-40 at half while shooting 53 percent from the field despite 25 percent shooting from deep.
Once again, the Sun Devils were forced to play small following two quick fouls on Jethro Tshisumpa. The lack of size led to some solid minutes for freshman Andre Adams.
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Through the first ten games of the season, Adams had played limited minutes and had yet to attempt a field goal. Tonight, he gained recognition by scoring six points and grabbing three rebounds in nine minutes.
The possibility of having another productive bigman is enticing for Hurley and his staff.
ASU struggled to start the second half, taking questionable shots and allowing the Aggies to build a sizable lead. Hurley was ejected after picking up his second technical foul midway through the period. The team’s sluggish start and his dissatisfaction with the officiating led to two technicals in three minutes.
After the break, ASU shot a dreadful 17 percent from behind the arc and 30 percent from the field. The Sun Devils also committed 13 of their 18 fouls during this time.
Former top-50 prospect Sam Cunliffe’s transfer request had an obvious impact on ASU’s chemistry tonight. The hustle and intensity that was shown against San Diego State and UNLV didn’t appear at all in the second half.
Ball movement was lackluster and one can only assume it’s because the absence of Cunliffe was disruptive.
New Mexico State was led by Braxton Huggins and Ian Baker, who combined for 43 points. Baker stuffed the stat sheet with eight rebounds and seven assists for a well rounded showing.
Junior guard Tra Holder had a difficult shooting night, converting 2-13 from the field. His ability to draw fouls helped him score but his lack of efficiency hurt the Sun Devils as he finished the game with 13 points and four rebounds.
Oleka finished the game as the leading scorer for the Sun Devils with 15 points. He also battled inside for 11 rebounds; four of which were on the offensive glass. The senior forward shot 45% from the field and 83% from the free throw line to go along with another double-double.
The Sun Devils have two days to prepare for a difficult matchup against No. 10 Creighton. That game is on Dec. 20 and will be live on ESPN2.
