Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley was not happy as four technical fouls were given to the team in the second half of their 68-66 loss to UCLA.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Bobby Hurley stormed into the press room and loudly repeated the words “I wish I could say how I really feel.”
He appeared very unhappy with the four technical fouls his players received in the second half of ASU's loss to UCLA.@SunDevilSource pic.twitter.com/nub5azTw37
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) January 18, 2024
Second-Half Meltdown
After leading by up to 15 points in the second half, the Sun Devils (10-7) crumbled in their Pac-12 matchup against the Bruins (8-10).
UCLA battles back to hand Arizona State its first loss in Tempe! Highlights ⤵️@sproutsfm pic.twitter.com/Yxv9BCQgJL
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) January 18, 2024
The four technical fouls committed by ASU played a huge part in the Bruins’ comeback. UCLA shot 21 free throws in the second half, compared to ASU’s 10 free throw attempts during the final 20 minutes of play.
Not only did the technicals impact the free throw disparity, but they caused an ejection as well. Two of the techs were given to center Shawn Phillips Jr., resulting in him being ejected with 13 minutes left to play.
This ejection, along with the rest of the technicals given, had Hurley, the rest of the team, and the fans hot.
Arizona State freshman big Shawn Phillips just got a pair of technical fouls called on him. Tossed with 10:10 to play and ASU’s 15 point second half lead on UCLA already cut to 6, with a bunch of free throws coming. pic.twitter.com/iondQOJ4qN
— Nick King (@NickKingSports) January 18, 2024
The Sun Devils have made miraculous second-half comebacks all season long but were on the other side of it Wednesday night.
Key Stats:
ASU: 27 total rebounds, 6 turnovers, 16 points off turnovers
UCLA: 33 total rebounds, 11 turnovers, 8 points off turnovers
ASU: Field goals: 23/54 (42.6%), 3 Pointers: 11/27 (40.7%), Free throws: 9/14 (64.3%)
UCLA: Field goals: 22/46 (47.8%), 3 Pointers: 7/19 (36.8%), Free throws: 17/23 (73.9%)
Up Next
Despite taking their first home loss and just their second conference loss of the season, all the Sun Devils can do is correct mistakes and look forward.
The team will next match up against the USC Trojans (8-10) on Saturday, Jan 20 @ noon MST. This will be their final home game of the month and one that they will undoubtedly be fired up for.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering Phoenix High School Sports, Arizona State Sun Devils, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
