PHOENIX – Sunday’s game against Kansas State is a game that Arizona State men’s basketball needs to win. A victory breaks ASU’s six-game losing streak and, for the moment, levels the uncertainty hanging over the program’s future. In the last matchup, the Sun Devils jumped to an early 15-0 lead but blew it to go down double digits to the Wildcats. A late run by ASU gave it a shot toward the end, but two missed free throws by freshman center Jayden Quantiance handed the program a 71-70. If the Sun Devils want to right the wrongs from their last matchup, they need to fix these three issues.
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Jan 21, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jayden Quaintance (21) dunks the ball during the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
The most glaring issue was Quantiance’s missed free throws, but the problem stems deeper from that. ASU shot 21 free throws against Kansas State and only made 14, and all its misses were in the second half. The Sun Devils were still able to make a run late in the game to cut the deficit to one possession, but having to stomach the possibility of completing the comeback if they just made their free throws is hard. Quaintance missed five free throws in total and was a factor late. If ASU wants a better performance on Sunday, it has to make shots from the charity stripe.
Control the Pace
Jan 21, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Adam Miller (44) celebrates with Arizona State Sun Devils guard BJ Freeman (10) during the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
After falling behind 15-0, Kansas State dominated the game. It controlled the pace on offense and defense with its intensity. The Wildcats scored 20 fastbreak points and scored 11 points off turnovers. ASU’s offense stalled out trying to force shots because of Kansas State’s on-ball pressure. The Sun Devils need consistency from its veteran leadership, like senior guards Alston Mason and BJ Freeman, to keep ASU level-headed and not allow Kansas State to go on a 35-17 type of run.
Protect the Paint
Jan 18, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Basheer Jihad (8) rebounds the ball alongside forward Jayden Quaintance (21) in the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Kansas State wings gave ASU trouble, namely senior forward David N’Guessan, who dropped 22 points. N’Guessan got 19 points via free throws and getting to the rim. He led the Wildcats to 30 paint points and bullied the Sun Devils with his size. ASU’s rotation is guard-heavy and doesn’t possess a lot of size to throw at players like N’Guessan. With Quaintance still recovering from his ankle sprain, there will need to be a group effort by the Sun Devils to control the Wildcats’ rim pressure.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
