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An inability to close out games defined Arizona State's (18-16) early season woes. Sunday afternoon against Richmond, it ultimately came back around to end their season.
The maroon and gold scored just eight points in the final eight minutes of regulation which allowed the Spiders to stick around and weave together a comeback, ultimately forcing overtime. A three by Kendall Anthony on which he was fouled by Jonathan Gilling and converted was too much for ASU to overcome in the extra frame.
The Sun Devils came out slow and fell behind early 10-4 before coming all the way back to take the lead 28-27 with 2:12 to play in the half on a layup by Shaquielle McKissic. ASU struggled against the Richmond matchup zone in the early going and couldn't find many gaps. The maroon and gold remained persistent and worked for buckets instead of settling for threes. Eric Jacobsen was forced to sit most of the half in foul trouble. In spite of his lack of size, ASU still led 19-12 on the boards, but trailed 32-31 after a half.
Gerry Blakes came out of the gate and gave the Sun Devils a 34-32 lead with a three. It would set the tone for a close second half. ASU continued its aggressive play on the boards with the Sun Devils grabbing multiple offensive rebounds. It helped the Sun Devils overcome a number of turnovers in the first half and continued to aid in the second frame. Jacobsen, however, fouled out with just over five minutes left. His absence would hurt the Sun Devils down the stretch when it came to a lack of bench depth through overtime.
Richmond tied the game at 60 on a free throw with T.J. Cline with just over a minute left and Gerry Blakes missed a fadeaway jumper as time expired in regulation. Another missed shot from Blakes from almost the exact same spot on the floor was the ultimate dagger in the last game for McKissic, Bo Barnes and Jonathan Gilling.
Kendall Anthony led all scorers with 21 points for Richmond. Savon Goodman stuffed the stat sheet for ASU with 14 points and 17 rebounds. McKissic ended his career with a double-double as well with 18 points and 11 rebounds. ASU shot 40 percent from the field but turned the ball over 15 times. They also dominated in rebounding 46-30.