A Glimpse of Promise, But a Harsh Reality

ASU basketball’s early-season performance was nothing short of impressive. The Sun Devils started the season with a 9-2 record, fueled by a strong showing at the Maui Invitational where they defeated Texas and Washington State. At that point, it seemed like the program was on the verge of a significant turnaround, different from the struggles of the previous year.

However, history has a way of repeating itself. In 2024, the team also began with a 9-2 record, only to falter later in the season, finishing with just 13 wins. Now, after experiencing a two-game losing streak and entering Big 12 play against Colorado, the question remains: Can this team withstand the rigors of the conference schedule, or was their early success merely a mirage?

A Challenging Start Against Colorado

Colorado, coming off a last-place finish in the Big 12 and without a conference win in two years, appeared to be an ideal opponent for the Sun Devils. However, the game did not go as planned. ASU struggled from the outset, allowing Colorado to build a 14-point lead. Senior guard Moe Odum led the charge with 21 points and 12 assists, but turnovers and defensive lapses kept the Buffaloes in control.

The final score of 95-89 reflected the Sun Devils’ shortcomings. They committed 14 turnovers, shot just 21.4 percent from three, and allowed Colorado to take 38 free throws. Head coach Bobby Hurley acknowledged the team’s poor first-half performance, noting that they fouled too much and had to adjust their strategy in the second half.

Encouraging Signs Amidst the Struggles

Despite the loss, there were some positive developments. Odum recorded a season-high 12 assists, and his late scoring burst energized the team. Freshman center Massamba Diop had a career-high seven blocks along with 20 points, while senior guard Anthony Johnson contributed 20 points. Graduate forward Allen Mukeba added 16 points and two blocks, showcasing a breakout performance.

The Sun Devils’ offensive spark in the second half, particularly their 51-point output, was encouraging. However, it was not enough to overcome the defensive challenges posed by Colorado. The Buffaloes outrebounded ASU by 10, grabbed 14 offensive boards, and scored 40 points in the paint. Their efficiency from the free-throw line, making 32 of 38 attempts, highlighted the struggles ASU faced in containing their inside attack.

Defensive Challenges and Offensive Struggles

Colorado’s dominance in the paint was a major factor in the loss. The Sun Devils struggled to contain the Buffaloes’ inside attack, especially when Diop took brief rests. Additionally, ASU’s three-point shooting was a concern, as they attempted 28 shots from beyond the arc but connected on just one more than the Buffaloes.

The team’s turnovers were costly, with Colorado converting 14 turnovers into 18 points. Junior guard Barrington Hargress led Colorado with 17 first-half points on 8-of-9 shooting, though foul trouble limited his impact in the second half. Despite this, ASU allowed 31 second-half free throws across multiple players, diminishing the effect of keeping Hargress quiet.

A Late Rally That Fell Short

Odum’s shift into scorer mode in the second half provided a glimmer of hope. After tallying just four points and 11 assists in the first half, he poured in 17 points, including consecutive three-pointers that kept ASU in the game. Diop added nine points and three blocks, including a crucial and-one dunk that gave ASU its first lead since the opening minutes. Mukeba contributed 12 of his 16 points in the second half, thrilling the crowd with high-flying dunks and key blocks.

However, despite these efforts, ASU fell short. The team trailed for 34 of 40 minutes but managed to tie the game late. Diop’s dunk gave ASU the lead, but Odum turned the ball over twice in the final 53 seconds, and Colorado’s free throws sealed the outcome.

Looking Ahead

While there were moments of brilliance, the loss raised lingering questions about this team’s ability to endure the challenges of Big 12 play. Mukeba acknowledged the difficulties of playing against big players and great stars, emphasizing the need to stay focused and keep moving forward.

The Sun Devils will need to address their defensive lapses and improve their three-point shooting if they hope to compete in the demanding Big 12 conference. With the upcoming games, the team will have the opportunity to regroup and prove that their early-season success was not just a mirage.