ASU MBB: Sun Devils to Take on San Diego State
The Sun Devils make their way to San Diego, after Tuesday’s devastating 97-64 loss against No. 18 Purdue, in hopes to bounce back against the San Diego State Aztecs.
After their second 30+ deficit loss of the season, the Sun Devils need to get the perimeter back into the shooting groove. Senior guard Torian Graham, who averages 16.9 points, will need to step up big for the Sun Devils this Saturday against the Aztecs, alongside junior guards Shannon Evans II, averaging 16.9, and Tra Holder, averaging 15.8.
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Against a highly defensive team like the Aztecs, the Sun Devils will need limit rebounds and utilize the big men in the paint. Bobby Hurley’s small ball offense has worked against teams with a significant height advantage but they’ll need to capitalize on their ability to rebound and play defense.
Freshman Jethro Tshisumpa, who made his first collegiate start against Purdue, will need to step up defensively for the Sun Devils. Tshisumpa has been improving as a defensive asset for the Sun Devils in the past, recording two rebounds, two steals and two blocks against Purdue, and will need to continue this rise against San Diego State.
The Aztects, who come off a 76-72 loss against Grand Canyon University, will be trying their hand at home against the Sun Devils. The Aztecs are 4-3 this season and having lost their last two games on the road, momentum is not on their side. However, all the Aztecs’ losses have been on the road this season and bringing the game back home might just be a momentum changer.
The Sun Devils will need to shut down sophomore guard Jeremy Hemsley, who recorded 28 points and 5 rebounds for the Aztecs in their game against GCU. Hemsley went 7-8 from the perimeter and 9-15 overall, proving to be a threat to the Sun Devils in both the front and back court.
Alongside Hemsley, the Sun Devils will also need to post up against sophomore forward, Zylan Cheatham, who finished their game against GCU with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Cheatham has proven to be a dominant presence under the basket and will be a major threat to the Sun Devils’ defense if uncontested.
Despite the challenges that may arise defensively, the Sun Devils scoring ability should be enough to put them ahead of the Aztecs and give them a much-needed win.
The Sun Devils tip-off at 5 p.m. MST and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
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