(Honolulu, HI) Sun Devil Men’s Basketball defeated Hawai’i, 83-76, on Thursday night at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Arizona State (4-1) passed their first road test of the season, handing Hawai’i (4-2) their first home loss of the season (previously 4-0). The Maroon and Gold exploded for 49 points in the second half against a team that came into the game allowing only 61 points per game, a Top-25 total nationally.
Head Coach Bobby Hurley moved to 12-7 in road non-conference games while at the helm in Tempe. The program was a combined 9-21 in the previous 30 years prior to his arrival. ASU also earned the victory after trailing at halftime, the 49th comeback victory in Hurley’s tenure.
The Sun Devil backcourt stepped up in a major way, delivering clutch performances to help the Sun Devils erase the deficit and emerge late in the game. Guard Bryce Ford scored a career-high 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, making 3-of-5 three point shots while adding two steals. Fellow starting guard Moe Odum took over the game down the stretch, scoring nine of his 14 points after the break. The final piece of the standout guard trio was Anthony “Pig” Johnson, who provided an essential spark with a 16-point effort, 13 of which came in the second half.
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Series history
Arizona State and Hawai’i matched up for the 13th time, with the Sun Devils now holding a 9-4 edge in the series. ASU now has a 6-3 advantage in games played in Honolulu.
History in Hawai’i
Coach Hurley is no stranger to playing at the University of Hawai’i, having won the 1989 Rainbow Classic held at the Stan Sheriff Center while a player at Duke.
Second half surge
For the second straight game, the Sun Devils overwhelmed their opponent in the second half. They outscored the Rainbow Warriors 49-41 after the break, helping them secure a 7-point victory. Anthony “Pig” Johnson was a big reason why, as he finished with 13 of his 16 points in the second half. Arizona State had an 8-2 advantage in turnovers and attempted 24 free throws over the final 20 minutes. ASU has now outscored their opponents 90-64 in the second half over the past two games.
4-1 start
The Sun Devils have started 4-1 for the second consecutive season. It is their fifth 4-1 start in the Bobby Hurley era.
Pushing the pace
Through five games, the Sun Devils have been one of the nation’s best teams in transition. They have finished with more fast-break points than their opponent in all five games, eclipsing 20 points in three of those contests. ASU outscored Hawai’i 17-5, including a 15-0 margin in the second half. Over the past two games (Hawai’i, Georgia State), the Sun Devils have a 44-10 edge in fast break points.
Bench boost
Arizona State’s bench was dominant yet again. After a 32-9 edge in bench points tonight, the Sun Devils now hold a 126-78 (+48) advantage in bench points this season. Anthony “Pig” Johnson led the way with his third double-digit scoring output this season. Allen Mukeba added eight points and five rebounds, while Noah Meeusen added three steals.
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First half
The Sun Devils relied on a solid defensive effort while they shook off a slow offensive start. They held Hawai’I to just a 3-of-9 start from the field, including a 1-of-4 mark from three-point range. The hosts held a 9-4 lead at the first media timeout.
ASU was not deterred by the early deficit, as Pig Johnson came off the bench and provided a spark. He hit three of his four free throws, part of a run that tied the game at 16. The two teams proceeded to exchange baskets, as the frontline of Trouet and Diop scored on back-to-back possessions. Ford and Diop helped keep the Rainbow Warriors within striking distance, converting on chances around the rim.
Arizona State used a little good fortune to take their first lead of the game with 45 seconds left in the half, as Meeusen received the benefit of a shooter’s roll on a three-point attempt to put the visitors in front 34-33. On their final possession of the half, Hawai’I retook the lead with a pair of free throws. Coach Hurley would be in need of another one of his signature halftime comebacks.
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Second half
A strong start from Ford set the tone offensively for the second half with the pace beginning to pick up. He scored a quick ten points, including a pair of threes, to put the Sun Devils back in front by the time of the first media timeout.
Hawai’I answered with a 7-0 run over a 1:22 span gave them their largest lead of the game to that point, pulling ahead 54-47. Johnson came through with a much-needed three points on the next two possessions, attacking the basket to cut into the lead. Diop became the second Sun Devil in double figures by converting on a pair of free throws to slow down the hot shooting Rainbow Warriors.
Johnson proceeded to take over the offense, using his quickness to get to the rim and convert on back-to-back opportunities. He then hit a corner three to thwart what could have been a Hawai’I run. Instead, ASU went on an 8-0 run of their own to tie the game, finished off by Mukeba in the paint.
Despite trailing by as many as eight, the Sun Devils managed to claw their way back and take the lead, with Moe Odum hitting a pair from the line to put ASU up 67-65. The Sun Devils showed poise and toughness to not relent the lead, staying in front the rest of the contest.
A big reason for their composure was the play of their backcourt duo Johnson/Odum. Each came through with significant plays down the stretch, including finishes at the rim and free throws. An unsung hero in the second half was Allen Mukeba, whose activity and argressiveness were a difference maker. He had eight points and four rebounds in 12 minutes of second half action. Key plays in key moments by Arizona State’s veterans allowed them to pull away late, sealing a 83-76 road victory.
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Quotables
Arizona State Head Coach Bobby Hurley
“I thought it was a very competitive game. Every time we went down seven or eight, it seemed like we always had a response and would step up and made shots. It was a breakout game for Bryce Ford offensively. He played really well. He is showing that he can do something like that throughout the summer, but this was the first time it has come out in a game. We were able to take advantage of them in some ball screens and get to the basket. Both him (Bryce Ford) and Moe Odum were very effective in those areas.”
Up next
Sun Devil Men’s Basketball will remain in Hawai’i, but will head to a different island next week. Arizona State participates in the Maui Invitational, taking on Texas in the first round on Nov. 24 at 9:30 p.m. MST. The broadcast can be found on ESPN2 with the game also available on ESPN 620 (KTAR).
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Connor Smith
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