Arizona State defeated ETSU, 75-65, to open the season on Monday night at Desert Financial Arena.
(Tempe, AZ) Sun Devil Men’s Basketball opened up the 2026-27 season and the Randy Bennettera with a victory, defeating East Tennessee State 75-65 on Monday night.
Arizona State (1-0) picks up their first win of the campaign in Bennett’s debut back in the State he grew up in. The Sun Devil faithful got a glimpse of what is to come from the new era, with the Maroon and Gold comfortably securing their 11th-straight win in a home opener.
The highly-touted transfer class brought in by Bennett and his staff lived up to expectations. The crown jewel of that class, Paulius Murauskas, showed Sun Devil fans what he is capable of by posting a 21-point, 9-rebound effort. His physicality and high IQ allowed him to get to the FT line frequently while simultaneously putting ETSU’s front line in foul trouble. Murauskas was supported by many, highlighted by the performances of fellow transfers Joel Foxwell (15 points, 5 assists) and Dillan Shaw (13 points, 6 rebounds).
Perhaps the biggest key to the game was the contributions from junior center Filip Malesevicout of Serbia, who provided a valuable spark off the bench for Coach Bennett. He was a +19 in 25 minutes, finishing with 12 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from the field. Freshman guard JRob Croy also enjoyed a successful debut, chipping in with nine points thanks to three made three-pointers. The Sun Devils controlled the entire contest, leading 37:07 of a possible 40 minutes, including the entire second half.
Filin’ it up
The story of the evening was the play of Filip Malesevic, who emerged as one of the opening night standouts. He was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field and 4-for-4 from the line, finishing with 12 points. He added six rebounds, an assist, and a steal to finish a team-best +19 in 25 minutes coming off the bench.
Getting to the line
Paulius Murauskas showed off his knack for drawing contact, as he was able to earn several trips to the free throw line. He took advantage of the opportunities, finishing 11-of-12 on the night. The 12 free throw attempts by Murauskas were the same as ETSU had as a team (8-of-12). As a team, Arizona State went 21-of-26 (80.2%) from the stripe, a big reason why they were able to secure the victory.
More points for Paulius
Murauskas entered the game with over 1,000 career points, the most of any Sun Devil. He added to that total tonight with his 22nd career 20-point performance. The Saint Mary’s transfer picked up right where he left off, as he scored in double figures in 30 of 33 games a season ago. It only took him one half to accomplish the feat in his Sun Devil debut. He was one of only seven Big 12 players to have 20+ points on opening night.
“Filip Malesevic was a bright spot for us tonight. He brought energy and production off the bench. I was most impressed with his ability to handle the moment and not be overwhelmed in his first action in a real collegiate game. Filip continues to get better every day for us.”
Randy Bennetton Filip Malesevic
Empty the notebook
After winning 589 games at Saint Mary’s, Randy Bennett secured his first win at Arizona State.
A season ago, ETSU averaged 77.6 points per game and was held to 65 points or less only three times. ASU limited the Buccaneers to only 65 points in their first game of the 2026-27 campaign.
Dillan Shaw stepped up offensively for the Sun Devils, putting together the 11th double-digit performance of his career (13 points, six rebounds).
For the eight time in his career, Paulius Murauskas had 10 or more free throw attempts (11-of-12). He led the WCC in free throw attempts a season ago.
In comparison, ETSU shot only 12 free throws. There were only four games all of last season in which the Buccaneers were held to 12 FTA or less.
Following a 3-of-15 (20%) start from deep, Arizona State finishing by making 5-of-11 (45.4%).
ETSU did not block a single Sun Devil shot. They only had one game last season in which they did not block a shot. ASU was the only Big 12 team to not have a shot blocked on opening night.
Arizona State converted 13 ETSU turnovers into 26 points. By contrast, ETSU managed to score only 13 points off the 10 ASU turnovers.
season ago, the Buccaneers had only four games in which they turned the ball over 13 or more times. ASU forced them into 13 on opening night.
Freshman JRob Croy came through with huge minutes in the absence of Emmanuel Innocenti in the second half. Croy finished with nine points and made 3-of-5 three-point shots in his ASU debut.
Filip Malesevicand Croy combined for 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting, to go along with seven rebounds and two assists. They were also a +27, providing a huge spark off the bench.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Connor Smith
