The Arizona State Sun Devils were able to win the typical trap game with a victory over the California Golden Bears. Arizona State defeated California 80-75. This was the first road sweep for the Sun Devils in 10 years. Remy Martin and Alonzo Verge Jr. both scored 22 points to lead the Sun Devils. They both hit clutch shots and free throws down the stretch.
Arizona State Sun Devils Defeat Cal Golden Bears
Game Recap
Throughout the game, nobody could take control. Although Arizona State led pretty much the whole game they were never able to put the game out of reach. At no point in the game did they get a double-digit lead. Remy Martin was clutch in the 2nd half scoring 15 points in the last 11 minutes, including the dagger three to make it 71-63 with 2:14 left. Verge ended up sealing the game when he hit two free throws to make it 80-75 with 13 seconds left. Romello White had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. He also added two blocks. Mickey Mitchell had 8 points.
California was able to stay in the game because three of their starters had big games. Matt Bradley had a huge game with 22 points and made 4-6 from beyond the arc. He was trash-talking the Sun Devils all game. Grant Anticevich had 18 points and eight rebounds. Finally, Paris Austin put up an impressive stat line with 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
The Difference
Although both teams both shot seventy percent from the free-throw line the Sun Devils made 21-30 compared to 14-20 for the Golden Bears. Arizona State getting more attempts was one of the reasons they won. Also, the Sun Devils yet again shot well from three making 46 percent of their threes compared to California shooting just under 39 percent from three. Arizona State edged California in blocks four to one.
Looking Ahead
The Sun Devils are the hottest team in the Pac-12 and are trying to make the NCAA tournament for the third straight year. They will face their toughest test of the season on Thursday when Oregon comes to Tempe. Oregon beat Arizona State earlier this season 78-69. If Arizona State can not find a way to contain Payton Pritchard who had 29 points in that game they will probably lose again. Meanwhile, California will play Washington State on Thursday. It should be an even matchup because both teams are struggling with eight conference losses.
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