The ASU Sun Devils could not finish strong in a 67-58 loss to the Oregon Ducks on Thursday. In a game of runs that was highlighted on ASU's side by Trent Lockett's 23-point performance, the Sun Devils could not score buckets down the stretch and came away with a loss at a result.
The Ducks stormed out to a 33-23 lead in the first half behind some hot shooting, but ASU fought back and entered halftime trailing by only two points at 37-35. In the opening minutes of the second half, ASU looked poised to take control with offensive contributions by the likes of Ruslan Pateev, Chanse Creekmur and Lockett that opened up a 45-41 lead.
Unfortunately, the Ducks gave ASU trouble in the paint and got into the bonus with just over 10:00 left in the game. Oregon continued to score on the strength of free throws while ASU managed only six points in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Lockett played the role of point guard with Keala King now gone and had a good game with 23 points, five assists, four rebounds and a not-quite-so-good seven turnovers. Carrick Felix pumped in 11 points of his own, but no other Sun Devils cleared double figures (while four Ducks did) and only a total of six Sun Devils recorded scores all night.
ASU's offensive struggles continue to haunt them and they cost the Sun Devils this game. Now 1-3 in the Pac-12, the Sun Devils will play their second home game of 2012 on Saturday when the Oregon St. Beavers come to town.