The Sun Devils overcame an early eight point deficit to control a majority of the game, putting together several impressive runs. ASU was able to extend the lead to as much as 20 points in the second half, with the pressure defense proving to be too much for the Trojans to handle. ASU outscored USC 43-36 in the first and 39-31 in the second to complete a 82-67 win.
Four Sun Devils reached double-figures with Jose Perez scoring 20 points while shooting 50% (8-of-16) from the field. Frankie Collinsalso had 17 on the night, but it was his six steals that made the biggest difference. Jamiya Neal finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Bryant Selebangue’s energy was essential, as he contributed a season-high 13 rebounds, including nine offensive boards. Alonzo Gaffney added 11 points, highlighted by a pair of crucial threes down the stretch.
Desert Financial Arena provided a fantastic atmosphere with a season-high 13,746 in attendance. It was also the second-largest student crowd in program history, with 4,325 students showing up and having an impact. ASU has won 11 of their last 14 home games and moves to 8-1 on the season at Desert Financial Arena.
KEY MOMENTS:
Frankie Collins had all of his six steals in the first half. This marks his third game of the season with six or more steals.
Collins has a total of 56 steals on the season, which ranks third highest in D1 NCAA basketball.
The Sun Devils forced 15 turnovers by the end of the first half, making them one of two Power 5 schools to do so this season.
Bryant Selebangue had nine offensive rebounds, marking his career high. Adding on his 4 defensive rebounds, he totaled up 13 rebounds. Selebangue is the first to reach 13 total rebounds since Warren Washington who had 14 rebounds last season.
The Sun Devils set a new season high forcing 22 turnovers. They average 14.1 forced turnovers per game this season.
NOTABLES:
The USC Trojans started off shooting 14-21 (66.6%) from the field which was then followed by a 13-37 (35.1%) shooting performance. They finished shooting 27-58 (46.6%) from the field
The Sun Devils forced a season-high 22 turnovers on the day, eclipsing the previous high against UMass Lowell earlier this season.
USC’s 15 first half turnovers were the most in a half by a power conference basketball team this season.The Sun Devils last recorded 22 forced turnovers against Washington last season.Five different Sun Devils had one steal apiece, and they were able to convert those turnovers to 24 points.Arizona State has now won 11 of their last 14 home games.
Bryant Selebangue’s 13 rebounds were the most by a Sun Devil since Warren Washington had 14 at Texas Southern on Nov. 22, 2022
FIRST HALF:
Jose Perez knocks down a three to give ASU their first points of the game against USC. Frankie Collins finds Jamiya Neal in transition to tie it up 8-8 after USC went on an 8-3 run. A contested three made by Jamiya Neal gives the Sun Devils their first lead 11-10 with 15:13 remaining in the first half.
With USC going on a 6-0 run coming out of the first media timeout, Jamiya Neal was able to finish at the rim trailing 16-13. Frankie Collins’ third steal of the game led to a fierce two-handed dunk to give ASU a 17-16 lead with 11:21 remaining.
After another 9-2 run by the Trojans, Jose Perez was able to knock down both free throws at the line to cut the Trojans’ lead to 25-21. With 6:22 remaining in the half, the Sun Devils trail 31-23 heading into the media timeout.
Adam Miller and Bryant Selebangue’s contribution of three free throws cut the deficit down to 31-26. Frankie Collins’ fourth steal of the game gives him the third most steals in D1 NCAA basketball this season, with an impressive 54 steals total. Bryant Selebangue’scontested putback at the rim ties the game 31-31 with 3:54 remaining.
With Selebangue knocking down both free throws, he gives the Sun Devils a 33-31 lead, their first lead since the 15:13 mark. The Sun Devils capitalized each time on three back-to-back steals, giving them a 43-36 lead at half.
SECOND HALF:
Frankie Collins opens up the second half with eight points, giving the Sun Devils a 51-40 lead with 16:40 remaining. Alonzo Gaffney drained a contested corner three, extending the lead to 54-44. The Trojans were able to get to the rim on back-to-back possessions, cutting the Sun Devils lead to five. The Sun Devils hold on to a 56-51 lead with 11:44 left in regulation going into a media timeout.
Jose Perez’ patient drive to the basket led to an and-1 layup and bumped the lead to 59-53. Again, Perez takes charge while driving into the paint to finish a contested layup, giving the Sun Devils a 67-60 lead with 7:46 remaining in regulation.
Jamiya Neal scoops the ball away and finishes at the rim while being contested, adding on to the Sun Devils’ 71-60 lead with 6:19 remaining. Adam Miller finds Frankie Collins in transition after a steal to complete a contested layup. ASU increases the lead to 77-62 with 3:27 remaining heading into the media timeout.
Frankie Collins finds a wide open Alonzo Gaffney at the top of the ark with a flashy behind-the-head pass to extend the lead to 79-62. The Sun Devils finish out strong with an impressive 82-67 win over the Trojans.
UP NEXT:
Sun Devil Men’s Basketball will travel to Eugene, Oregon to face the No. 1 Pac-12 team, Oregon. They will play January 25 at 7:00 p.m. MST. Coverage can be seen on Pac-12 network
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Collin Smith
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