Sun Devils Game Recap: Sleepwalking in 61-52 Loss to Colorado

Feb 19, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; General view of fans holding a sign in reference to the late start of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

BOULDER — The Arizona State Sun Devils aren’t enjoying their schedule, as the tip didn’t even occur until after 9:00pm local time. The Sun Devils looked tired and slept through what could have been a solid win over a tough opponent. Instead, they shot 31.5 percent and lost 61-52.

True, the Colorado Buffaloes (20-7, 9-5) had to play late as well, but being at home makes it a lot easier to do so. Excuses aside, the Sun Devils just didn’t have it. They grinded through the game, missing shot after shot and still pulled to within three points late in the game.

Jahii Carson led the Sun Devils (19-7, 8-5) with 18 points and seven rebounds, with Jonathan Gilling adding 10 points off the bench. Jermaine Marshall shot just 3-for-13, including 1-for-8 from the 3-point line, scoring just seven points to go with his two steals.

The Sun Devils were coming off of their biggest win in many decades after knocking off rival Arizona last Friday night and simply suffered a letdown. Earlier in the season, the Sun Devils beat these same Buffaloes in Tempe by 21.

Shaquielle McKissic pulled down nine rebounds and Jordan Bachynski came back to earth, scoring just four points with three rebounds and one block.

The Buffaloes were led by Askia Booker, who scored 18 points with six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Josh Scott scored 13 with 13 rebounds and two blocks and Xavier Johnson scored 11 with six rebounds.

Sun Devils by the Numbers

• Arizona State was pounded on the glass 48-27, including allowing 15 offensive rebounds.
• No Sun Devil shot over 50 percent for the game.
• Arizona State’s defense held the Buffaloes to 37 percent shooting, but allowed 20 points from the foul line.

Sun Devil Stud

Very hard to call anyone a stud in this game, but I guess we’ll go with Jahii Carson. His 18 points led the team by far and his seven rebounds showed he was doing his part on the glass. He also went 7-for-8 from the foul line.

Sun Devil Dud

Jordan Bachynski was ineffective after putting together a string of terrific games. Credit Colorado for keeping him off the glass and away from blocking their shots. His four points, three rebounds and one block represented the worst performance he’s had in six games.

Coming Up

Arizona State will travel to Utah on Sunday, February 23rd from the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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