TEMPE – This Saturday is Arizona State men’s basketball regular-season finale against No. 9 Texas Tech. An ASU senior night win will be a tall task to dethrone a ranked opponent. However, one senior equipped for the task is guard Alston Mason, who has been on a tear for the past month.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Mason is coming off a season-high 33 points against Arizona in Tucson in the 113-100 loss. It was the highest mark by a Sun Devil all season and is just one of the many breakout performances that Mason has put together.
Mar 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Carter Bryant (9) fails to block Arizona State Sun Devils guard Alston Mason (1) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
In the past eight games, the Tournai, Belgium native averages 19 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals on 49% shooting. With the departure of senior guard BJ Freeman, Mason has stepped up in a major way. He is the active scoring and assists leader for the program. ASU’s offense revolves entirely around the senior guard, and he’ll need a repeat performance against Texas Tech.
Feb 12, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Alston Mason (1) goes to the basket against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) in the first overtime at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
The Red Raiders barely escaped against the Sun Devils in a 111-106 overtime win in Lubbock. Now, in Tempe, Texas Tech won’t take ASU lightly. Saturday’s game holds a lot of weight over the head of head coach Bobby Hurley’s shoulders. A loss would extend the program’s home losing streak to nine, making it the longest losing streak in Desert Financial Arena’s history.
Hurley’s job is in jeopardy against the Red Raiders, and he’ll need his senior guard for another stellar performance. Mason dropped 16 points and six assists on 60% shooting in his last game against Texas Tech. ASU had its best offensive game of the season because of its experienced guard play.
Feb 12, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Alston Mason (1) dribbles the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Elijah Hawkins (3) in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
However, the Sun Devils will be without key players from that last matchup: Freeman and freshman center Jayden Quaintance, who is dealing with nagging injuries. Mason will need to cover the difference in their absence if he wants his team to carry major momentum heading into the Big 12 tournament.
ASU’s Alston Mason heroics not enough in 113-100 loss to No. 24 Arizona
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
