The ASU men's basketball team overcame a disjointed offensive performance to secure a 55-48 victory over Idaho State in their season opener. Despite the less-than-inspiring start, the Sun Devils showcased their defensive prowess, weathering an early onslaught from the Bengals and clamping down to limit their opponents to just 12 points over the final 16 minutes of the first half.

Defensive Grit Compensates for Offensive Woes

Hurley Expresses Frustration with Lackadaisical Start

Head coach Bobby Hurley was candid in his assessment of the team's performance, describing it as lacking in both aesthetics and inspiration. He expressed particular frustration with the Sun Devils' approach to the start of the second half, likening it to an "AAU game" and questioning the team's motivation and focus.

Quaintance Struggles Offensively but Shines on Defense

Freshman phenom Jayden Quaintance had a forgettable debut on the offensive end, missing two 3-pointers and committing two fouls in the opening minutes. However, the young standout made his presence felt on the defensive end, recording six blocks and two steals to help stifle the Bengals' attack.

Backcourt Duo Showcases Potential, Inconsistency

Joson Sanon, Quaintance's backcourt counterpart, flashed his one-and-done potential on both ends of the floor, but his overall approach was inconsistent, leading to 11 points and three assists. The Sun Devils' offensive struggles were further compounded by 14 turnovers, a category they lost to Idaho State.

Transfers and Newcomers Struggle to Develop Chemistry

When asked about the disjointed nature of the offense, transfer point guard Alston Mason pointed to the influx of new faces in the rotation, including transfers and freshmen, as a contributing factor. He acknowledged the team's need to develop better chemistry and cohesion as they continue to integrate the new players into Hurley's system.

Leaders Mason and Freeman Take Accountability

Mason and BJ Freeman, who combined for 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting and five assists, took responsibility for the underwhelming performance, vowing to do a better job as leaders in guiding the team. They expressed a vision for the Sun Devils' offensive identity, emphasizing a fast-paced, up-tempo style that leverages their size and shooting prowess.

Opportunity to Rebound Against Former Coach Sendek

The Sun Devils (1-0) will have a chance to bounce back on Friday when they face Santa Clara (1-0) and former head coach Herb Sendek in Las Vegas. The Broncos opened their season with an 85-78 victory over Saint Louis, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup between the two programs.