Through 20 minutes of play, the Arizona State Sun Devils (13-12, 7-7) trail the Arizona Wildcats (19-5, 10-3) 49-31.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Sun Devils’ strong start
The Sun Devils came out firing and were efficient in doing so. They started the game 9/13 from the field.
Continuing to change up their starting lineup, Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley brought senior Alonzo Gaffney off the bench against the Wildcats.
Bobby Hurley continues to make changes, who comes off the bench next?
Center Shawn Phillips picked up three first-half fouls, resulting in just eight minutes played. This has hurt the Sun Devils significantly considering the size that Arizona possesses.
Big Wildcats run
Despite the strong start from ASU, the No. 5 ranked Wildcats went on a big run to close the first half.
The Sun Devils led by as much as five, before giving up a 23-7 run. Arizona 7-footer Oumar Ballo has put up a near double-double through just 20 minutes of play.
Quick start to the game for Ballo and the Wildcats! 💪 pic.twitter.com/sjD8DHvR8U
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) February 18, 2024
It will take a lot for the Sun Devils to get back in this game. However, they can take the success that they had early on and attempt to build on that when they face the Wildcats in a few weeks.
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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_
