The Arizona State Sun Devils (13-12, 7-7) put together a 79-61 victory against the Oregon State Beavers (11-14, 3-11) on Wednesday night.
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Head coach Bobby Hurley made another adjustment, bringing junior Jamiya Neal off the bench for the first time this season.
After sitting for the first three minutes of the game, Neal checked in and did not sit for the remainder of the half.
Giving the team an immediate spark, the junior scored nine of ASU’s 33 first-half points.
“Jamiya is one of our best players and he had a great attitude about it (coming off the bench), knowing that’s what a winning player will do,” Hurley said.
@jamiyaneal_ comes in for Shawn Phillips and immediately gives the team a spark after Phillips picked up an early foul. #ForksUp
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) February 15, 2024
The Sun Devils were having trouble containing Tyler Bilodeau early on, as the sophomore had 14 first-half points for the Beavers.
After trailing by as much as nine in the first half, Oregon State was able to climb back, tying the game at 33 through 20 minutes of play.
Oregon State ties it up with a three to end the first half. Currently 33-33 with 20 minutes left to play. #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/yoS9XAPrOq
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) February 15, 2024
Second-half dominance
Arizona State came out in the second half firing on all cylinders. The team began the half on a 26-5 run and quickly ran away with the lead.
@SunDevilHoops continue dominating. Now on a 26-5 run in the second half. ASU leads 59-38. #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/n5z3kGHzXc
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) February 15, 2024
A significant factor during the victory was the rebounding battle.
Oregon State outrebounded the Sun Devils by double-digits during their last meeting. However, ASU’s hustle and effort were evident on Wednesday as they outrebounded the Beavers 31-28.
“We’re shooting great, we had 30 made field goals in tonight’s game,” Hurley said. “Making shots like that, it gives you a better chance to hang in on the backboard.”
The Sun Devils took advantage of turnovers as they have been all season long. They scored 18 points off Oregon State’s 14 turnovers.
Led by Neal’s 21 points, Arizona State had four double-digit scorers.
@jamiyaneal_ putting on an absolute clinic for @SunDevilHoops . Neal currently has 21 points as ASU leads 76-57 with 1:38 remaining. #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/MdjBs2H12k
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) February 15, 2024
“I feel like tonight we had our game rolling and we just have to keep that going,” Neal said.
Key Stats
Arizona State: Field goals: 30/52 (57.7%), 3 Pointers: 7/20 (35.0%), Free throws: 12/16 (75.0%)
Oregon State: Field goals: 25/56 (44.6%), 3 Pointers: 5/18 (27.8%), Free throws: 6/10 (60.0%)
Arizona State: 31 total rebounds, 15 turnovers, 18 points off turnovers
Oregon State: 28 total rebounds, 14 turnovers, 8 points off turnovers
Next Up for Sun Devils
The Sun Devils now secure their second-straight victory after suffering a five-game losing streak prior.
ASU next travel to face their in-state rival Arizona Wildcats (19-5, 10-3) on Saturday, Feb. 17 @ 7:30 p.m. MST. This is the teams’ first of two meetings over the next couple of weeks.
The Wildcats are currently ranked No. 5 in the country and have won six of their last seven games.
This will be a tough matchup but one that the Sun Devils are well-prepared for.
“This is an enormous challenge in front of us on Saturday against a team that rarely loses on their home floor,” Hurley said.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering the Arizona State Sun Devils, Phoenix High School Sports, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
