Arizona State Sun Devils Hold Off Cal Poly Mustangs for a Hard-Fought Victory
The Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball team kicked off their season with a nail-biting 65-59 win over the Cal Poly Mustangs on Monday night at Desert Financial Arena. While the Sun Devils were favored by 19.5 points heading into the game, the Mustangs proved to be a tougher opponent than expected, keeping the game close until the final buzzer.
Sun Devils Start Strong but Face Resistance
Arizona State came out of the gates with energy, building a 10-point lead in the first half. However, Cal Poly refused to back down, cutting the deficit to just three points by halftime. The Sun Devils led 33-30 at the break, but it was clear that the Mustangs weren’t going to roll over easily.
In the second half, the Sun Devils struggled to find their rhythm offensively, allowing Cal Poly to hang around. The Mustangs even managed to take a brief lead midway through the half, putting the pressure squarely on Arizona State to respond. Fortunately for the home team, they were able to regain control in the final minutes, thanks to some clutch plays on both ends of the court.
Key Performances Propel ASU to Victory
Arizona State was led by junior guard Frankie Collins, who stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Collins’ ability to create opportunities for his teammates and attack the basket was crucial in keeping the Sun Devils afloat during stretches when their offense stalled.
Another standout for ASU was junior forward Alonzo Gaffney, who contributed 11 points and eight rebounds. Gaffney’s presence in the paint was a key factor in the Sun Devils’ ability to out-rebound the Mustangs 38-33, a statistic that proved pivotal in such a closely contested game.
For Cal Poly, senior guard Kobe Sanders was the standout performer, finishing with 15 points and four assists. Sanders hit some big shots to keep the Mustangs within striking distance, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to pull off the upset.
Defense Saves the Day
While Arizona State’s offense had its ups and downs, their defense was the difference-maker in this game. The Sun Devils forced 16 turnovers and held Cal Poly to just 39.3% shooting from the field. In the final minutes, ASU’s defense clamped down, preventing the Mustangs from getting clean looks at the basket and sealing the victory.
What’s Next for the Sun Devils?
With the win, Arizona State starts the season 1-0, but there’s plenty of room for improvement. Head coach Bobby Hurley will undoubtedly be looking for more consistency from his team as they prepare for tougher competition down the road. The Sun Devils will need to clean up their offensive execution and avoid the scoring droughts that nearly cost them this game.
On the other hand, Cal Poly showed that they’re not a team to be taken lightly. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Mustangs played with heart and determination, giving Arizona State all they could handle. If they can build on this performance, they could surprise some teams in the Big West Conference this season.
Takeaways from the Game
- Frankie Collins shines: The junior guard’s all-around performance was a bright spot for ASU, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
- Rebounding advantage: Arizona State’s 38-33 edge on the boards was a key factor in their victory.
- Defensive effort: The Sun Devils’ ability to force turnovers and contest shots helped them overcome their offensive struggles.
- Room for growth: ASU will need to address their inconsistency on offense if they hope to compete at a high level this season.
Arizona State’s next game is set for Thursday, November 9, when they’ll host Texas Southern at Desert Financial Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST, and the Sun Devils will look to build on their season-opening win as they continue to fine-tune their game.
For more details on the game, visit the original article on Arizona Sports.
Originally Written by: Arizona Sports
