Sun Devil basketball is back home. They open Desert Financial Arena to the Tigers of Texas Southern. ASU is currently 0-1. Can they get their first win here? Here is a preview of what ASU will be facing in Texas Southern.
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Texas Southern is coming off a 14-21 season. They lost their first matchup to New Mexico by 37. However, they also became one of the first teams in NCAA history to make it to the NCAA Tournament with a losing record. They won all three SWAC tournament games to punch their ticket to the Dance. The Tigers would get blown out in the First Four matchup to Farleigh Dickinson, the team that upset #1 Purdue.
Texas Southern didn’t make too many moves in the offseason, with their biggest move being adding former Memphis Power Forward Jahmar Young Jr., who is poised to be an instant starter for the Tigers. Texas Southern is also home to Shaquir O’Neill, son of NBA Basketball Legend Shaquille O’Neill.
In their first loss of the season, they were led by Forward Jonathan Cisse, who scored 11. O’Neill added 8. The team had nine blocks, with three coming from Kenny Hunter and Kolby Granger.
Texas Southern is ranked 220th in the Kenpom rankings. They are one of the worst offensive-ranked teams in the country but are ranked decently high in offense. They are ranked 279th in offense and 153rd in defense.
Predictions
I predict that the Sun Devils will win by a score of 75-51. I also predict that Frankie Collins and Jamiya Neal will have bounce-back games, scoring double digits. ASU will need to shoot better to look promising.Â
