What's Happening?
Arizona State University's basketball team achieved a remarkable victory over Santa Clara, overcoming a 19-point deficit in the second half to win 82-79. The game, part of the Jack Jones Classic held at Lee's
Family Forum in Las Vegas, was marked by the ejection of Arizona State's coach, Bobby Hurley, in the final seconds of the first half. Santa Clara led 55-38 at halftime, with Christian Hammond scoring six points in the final moments of the half. However, Arizona State rallied in the second half, with Massamba Diop and Anthony Johnson leading the charge. Diop scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Johnson contributed 15 points, including a crucial 3-pointer. The Sun Devils took their first lead with 7:40 remaining and maintained it until the end.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Arizona State as it demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially after the ejection of their coach. The win improves their record to 9-2, boosting their confidence as they prepare to face tougher opponents like UCLA. For Santa Clara, the loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining leads and closing out games. The outcome of this game could impact both teams' standings and momentum as they progress through the season.
What's Next?
Arizona State is set to face No. 25 UCLA on Wednesday, a game that will test their ability to maintain their winning momentum against a ranked opponent. Santa Clara will host North Texas on the same day, providing them an opportunity to bounce back from this loss. Both teams will need to address their respective challenges; Arizona State must manage without their coach's presence on the sidelines, while Santa Clara needs to focus on sustaining their performance throughout the game.
