“Over-rated” was the chant at Wells Fargo Arena in the closing seconds of the game as No. 18 ASU upset No. 6 UCLA, 74-67 to sweep the season series.
The Devils got off to a quick start, hitting three consecutive 3-pointers to open the game. After 5 minutes, ASU had a 11-5 lead over the Bruins, and by the time the first half reached its midpoint the Devils increased their lead to 12 points.
However, ASU suffered a turnover epidemic, committing 8 in the final 10 minutes of the first half. UCLA’s Michael Roll hit a trey as the clock expired to tie the game at 35 at halftime.
A combination of more turnovers and ice-cold shooting allowed the Bruins to take a four point lead mid-way through the second half.
James Harden would take over from there with his playmaking ability. Harden finished with 15 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds, and 8 of the Sun Devils 17 turnovers on the night.
ASU was able to tighten up on defense and protect the ball late, allowing the Bruins just two points in the final four minutes of the game.
With 1:33 left to play ASU trailed by 1. Derek Glasser nailed a clutch three pointer 17 seconds later to give ASU a two point lead.
After a UCLA timeout, Darren Collison ran into Jeff Pendergraph and a controversial offensive foul was called. Although Collison appeared to draw the foul on Pendergrach, he also appeared to get away with a hook on the defender just prior to colliding with Pendergraph.
As ASU was inbounding the ball, UCLA’s Alfred Aboya reached over the out-of-bounds line and touched the ball while it was still in the hands of the inbounder, resulting in a technical four and two free-throws for ASU.
Glasser converted on both free tosses to increase Arizona State’s lead to 71-67 with 36 seconds to play. The Devils maintained possession and Glasser found Pendergraph for an ally-oop slam, sealing the victory for the Devils.
UCLA would not score again, while ASU’s Ty Abbot put the finishing touches on a 74-67 victory with a free-throw.
Arizona State was able to rebound after losing its last two home games to Washington and Washington State, and losing its last four meetings with UCLA at Wells Fargo Area.
The Devils improved to 19-5 overall, and 8-4 within the Pac 10. ASU will get a chance for redemption Sunday as they host USC, whom they lost to 49-61 on January 15 in California.
Leave a Reply