Arizona State University’s basketball team narrowly avoided an upset against Georgia State at home, winning 75-62. This victory came after a tense second-half performance, despite ASU being heavily favored by 18.5 points before the game.
Game Overview
Georgia State, ranked in the bottom 100 of Division 1, aggressively took the lead for more than half of the game. The Panthers’ proactive defense and effective offense allowed them to establish an 11-point advantage with 14:20 remaining. However, a critical series of plays by ASU shifted the momentum.
Key Player Performances
- Moe Odum: Led all scorers with 24 points, accompanied by season-highs of nine assists and five steals.
- Pig Johnson: Sparked a crucial 20-1 run with seven consecutive points, featuring an impressive dunk.
- Noah Meeusen: Made his debut after recovering from an ankle injury and recorded a vital steal that helped tie the game.
Odum’s impressive scoring and playmaking kept ASU in contention, particularly during a 15-6 run where he played a crucial role. Meeusen, although he did not score, exhibited effective offensive strategy reminiscent of his performance in the U20 EuroBasket 2024.
Shooting Struggles and Comeback
ASU initially struggled with shooting, missing its first seven attempts from beyond the arc. The team’s first successful three-pointer did not occur until 6:50 before halftime. Meanwhile, Georgia State shot 4-for-7 from three-point range early in the game. ASU finished with only four three-pointers, its lowest of the season, while Georgia State shot 36% from three on 9 of 25 attempts.
Looking Ahead
The Sun Devils will face their first road challenge of the season against Hawaii on Saturday. This trip also marks their first appearance in the Maui Invitational since 2007, where they will meet Texas and former coach Sean Miller in a highly anticipated matchup.
