Sun Devil MBB Welcomes Grambling State
TEMPE, Ariz. - Sun Devil Men's Basketball returns from a successful road trip to host a pair of games at Desert Financial Arena against SWAC opponents.
First up, Arizona State (4-1) hosts Grambling State on Tuesday at 7 PM MST. The Sun Devils look to continue improving upon their 34-7 in non-conference home games under Bobby Hurley.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Tune-in to Pac-12 Networks at 7 PM MST to watch Sun Devil Men's Basketball take on Northern Arizona. All 31 of Arizona State's games this season will be televised, with Coach Hurley's squad making appearances on ESPN, FOX, CBS, and Pac-12 Network in addition to several major network affiliates. Listen to Tim Healey and Kyle Dodd on Arizona Sports 620 AM. The action can also be tracked via live stats available here.
LEGENDS CLASSIC
In the history of Sun Devil Men's Basketball, there had never been a larger victory over a ranked opponent until Thursday night at the Barclays Center, when Arizona State trounced No. 20 Michigan by 25, 87-62, to win the 2022 Legends Classic. Arizona State dominated the proceedings, leading wire-to-wire. The victory was Bobby Hurley's tenth over a ranked opponent in his eight years with Arizona State and earned him the third mid-season tournament crown of his career (2018 MGM Resorts Main Event; 2017 Continental Tire Invitational).
SUN DEVIL SWEEP
Sun Devil Men's Basketball swept the weekly conference awards, as the Pac-12 announced their player of the week winners on Monday afternoon. Desmond Cambridge Jr. was named Pac-12 Player of the Week following an incredible week at the Legends Classic. Austin Nunez received Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors after providing a spark off the bench in two wins. Arizona State won the Legends Classic Championship thanks to victories over VCU and No. 20 Michigan. It is the 11th and 12th time a Sun Devil has won a Pac-12 Player of the Week award under Bobby Hurley.
CLOSE CALLS
ASU has played in a two-possession game in its first three of its first five contests, boasting a 2-1 record. The Sun Devils are now 25-12 in two possession games over the last three seasons, the most wins in the Pac-12.
NO EASY SHOTS
A big reason for the Sun Devils 4-1 start is their defense, as they have made it extremely difficult on opponents to generate offense. Teams are shooting just 37.2% against Arizona State, including a miniscule 24.0% from beyond the arc. Through the first four games, opponent's have made only 9/48 (18.8%) from three-point land in the first half.
BALANCED SCORING
A signature of the Arizona State offense has been the different individuals stepping up at the offensive end. The Maroon & Gold are averaging 72.4 points per game and three different Sun Devils are scoring 12.5 point or more (D.J. Horne, Frankie Collins, Marcus Bagley). Eight different individuals average at least 5.0 points per game and have scored in double figures in at least one game.
BLOCK PARTY
Arizona State continues to find themselves near the top of the national leaderboard in blocks, currently ranking 19th in the country by averaging 6.0 blocks per game. The Sun Devils had six blocks against Michigan compared to zero by the Wolverines. Three players average at least one block, led by Warren Washington's 2.0 per game. With their six blocks against Michigan, Arizona State is up to 30 through the first five games of the season. It is the third time in the last 23 years that ASU has recorded at least 30 blocks in the first five games and it is the most team blocks in the first five games of a season since 2013-14, where they had 39.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
Freshman Austin Nunez and Duke Brennan came through with crucial contributions in crunch time during the legends classic. The duo was not phased by the significance of the stage, teamming up to produce 34 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal in 72 minutes of combined action. They were both part of the unit that shut down the VCU' offense in the second half, holding them to just four made made field goals over the final 20 minutes. Each provided a spark off the bench in the win over No. 20 Michigan, as ASU's reserves outscored the Wolverines' reserves 33-22.
AT THE POLLS
Arizona State received votes in both the Coaches and AP Poll this past week.
942 CREW GIVEAWAY
BUSY WEEK DEVILS!! ??
We've got 4 can't-miss 942 Crew Games of the Week this week!!??
Tap to check out the student giveaways!@SunDevilHoops vs Grambling St
11/22 7pm@SunDevilHockey vs #2 Minnesota
11/25 7pm@SunDevilVB vs UA
11/26 4pm@SunDevilHoops vs Alcorn St
11/27 3pm pic.twitter.com/j8kdX8f7A6— 942 Crew (@942Crew) November 22, 2022
GET TICKETS
Don't miss your chance to check out the action at Desert Financial Arena, as fans now have another opportunity to show their support. Arizona State Men's Basketball single game tickets for non-conference home games and the Pac-12 home opener vs. Stanford are on sale. There are plenty of ticketing options for Sun Devil Men's Basketball fans, as season tickets and 6-game mini plans are still available, starting at only $90. Purchase your season tickets here. Group tickets are a great option for parties of 15 or more. Single game tickets for the remaining home schedule will go on sale the week after Black Friday.
PAC-12 NETWORKS
All Pac-12 Networks broadcasts are available in HD via the Pac-12 Now app for iOS, Android, Apple TV andAmazon Fire TV. More information on the multiple options to access and receive Pac-12 Networks anywhere in the United States is available at GetPac12Networks.com.
SUN DEVILS ON SOCIAL
For exclusive content, the latest updates, and more information on the Sun Devil Men's Basketball program, follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilHoops), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/SunDevilHoops/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com).