The Arizona State men's basketball team remained undefeated at home after beating the University of California, Irvine 74-61.
Forward Shaquielle McKissic helped seal the win for the Sun Devils with a big second half performance. He scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half, including a late game and-one that provided the dagger against UC Irvine.
The Sun Devils (11-2) held a comfortable 35-23 lead at the half, but the Anteaters (7-7) fought back in the second half. Seven-foot-six center Mamadou Ndiaye was the catalyst for the comeback as he scored all 12 of his points in the second half, and finished with 12 rebounds and four blocks as well. Ndiaye also proved to be a force on the defensive end as he held Arizona State center Jordan Bachynski to only three points in the second half.
With 2:35 left to play in the game, UC Irvine forward Will Davis II hit a jumper to make it a 62-56 game in favor of Arizona State. On that same play, Bachynski went down on his ankle after blocking a shot and had to leave the game.
With all the momentum in UC Irvine's favor, forward Jonathan Gilling drained a three with a defender in his face, to give the Sun Devils some breathing room. McKissic then hit the dagger when he laid it in, and hit the free throw after being fouled. This gave Arizona State a 68-56 lead that they would not relinquish.
Notes:
- Bachynski finished with nine points, 10 rebounds and six blocks. He came back into the game after injuring his ankle.
- Point guard Jahii Carson scored 16 points and was 7-for-8 from the free throw line.
- Carson recorded no assists for the first time in his Sun Devil career.
- Davis II led all UC Irvine scorers with 14 points.