The Arizona State men's basketball team once again proved that it is a force to be reckoned with in Wells Fargo Arena after blowing out Colorado, 72-51.
The Sun Devils (15-5, 4-3 Pac-12) are now 11-1 at home, thanks in large part to a strong performance from behind the arc. Arizona State shot 47 percent from 3- point range, while the Buffaloes went 2-11.
"We know they really only had one threat really that was a 3-point shooter and that's (Askia) Booker," point gurad Jahii Carson said. "We tried to just play with great intensity on the defensive end and not let them get any threes off."
Carson had a solid performance, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Buffalos had three players in double-digits but only got 16 points from everybody else.
"I was really pleased with our team's defensive effort this afternoon. I thought out guys played with good effort, good concentration and really helped each other on that end of the floor," head coach Herb Sendek said.
The Buffalos (15-6, 4-4 Pac-12) have been without starting guard Spencer Dinwiddie, and his absence was evident in the game. Colorado committed 19 turnovers and only had 10 total assists.
In the first half, the Sun Devils had a balanced attack, as they got points from seven different players. Center Eric Jacobsen started his second consecutive game and did not disappoint in the early goings, as he recorded season-highs with six points and six rebounds in the first half. This led to Arizona State holding a 34-23 lead at the half.
The Sun Devils maintained in control of the game in the second half. Shooting guard Jermaine Marshall scored all eight of his points in the second half, and Carson added 11 points. Colorado struggled to make threes throughout the game, and was never able to cut the deficit below double-digits.
Next up, the Sun Devils will travel to take on the California Golden Bears on Jan. 29.
Notes:
- Carson scored his 1,000 point as a Sun Devil on his first three pointer of the game.
- Colorado guard Askia Booker also scored his 1,000 career point.
- Colorado shot 9-24 from the free throw line.
- Forward Jonathan Gilling is 7-7 ever since coming off the bench
- The 21-point margin of victory was Arizona State's largest in Pac-10/12 conference play since Jan. 10, 2010 when the Sun Devils defeated Washington State 71-46.