Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley has made lineup adjustments that have helped the team achieve two straight victories.
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The Sun Devils (13-12, 7-7 in Pac-12) are coming off back-to-back victories against Utah and Oregon State.
Dominant second half performance helps propel Sun Devils over Oregon State
During the win against Utah, junior guard Adam Miller came off the bench for the first time this season and was productive.
Miller played 31 minutes despite coming off the bench and scored an efficient 16 points.
Making another change, Hurley decided to bring Jamiya Neal off the bench for the first time this season against Oregon State on Wednesday. Neal is an integral part of the team’s success and knows that sacrifices need to be made sometimes.
“Jamiya is one of our best players and he had a great attitude about it, knowing that’s what a winning player would do,” Hurley said.
In 32 minutes played as the sixth man, Neal had 21 points on 9/14 shooting from the field. The junior also showcased his defensive ability and hustle, adding two blocks and a steal.
@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
Who’s next off the bench?
The Sun Devils are in for a tough Saturday night matchup on the road against their in-state rival Arizona Wildcats (19-5, 10-3 in Pac-12).
Hurley made it clear that Neal will be back in the starting lineup Saturday and someone else will take his spot on the bench.
“I’ll decide in the next 48 hours who’s next man up for coming off the bench,” Hurley said after the Oregon State victory.
With the size that Arizona possesses including two 7-footers in Oumar Ballo and Motiejus Krivas, the Sun Devils may need to continue starting and give extra minutes to Shawn Phillips Jr.
Hurley has more than likely made his decision and fans will have to wait and see who comes off the bench in a crucial Saturday night game.
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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_
