Can the Sun Devils Outshine the Trojans at Galen Center?
As the Arizona State Sun Devils prepare to face off against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles' Galen Center, fans are eager to see if their team can carry forward their momentum from recent victories. The Sun Devils have shown a commendable performance in their past games, which could be a harbinger of another thrilling win on foreign hardwood.
In their last encounter on February 25th, ASU outperformed Washington State Cougars with a decisive 73-61 victory. The team's statistics were impressive: shooting 49 percent from the field and an outstanding 43 percent from beyond the arc. Their two-point attempts were particularly effective, with a success rate of 51 percent. This offensive prowess was complemented by solid defense, as evidenced by six steals and three blocks.
However, it wasn't just about scoring; ASU also demonstrated great ball movement with 11 assists and maintained control over turnovers with an assist-turnover ratio of 1.1. They matched WSU in rebounds at 35 each but edged them out in fast-break points (10) and second-chance points (16), showcasing their ability to capitalize on every opportunity.
The game prior to that was a nail-biter against Washington Huskies on February 23rd where ASU narrowly missed victory in overtime with an end score of 82-84. Despite falling short, there were positive takeaways: they ramped up their offense in the second half and showed resilience under pressure.
However, it's crucial not to overlook some concerns that emerged during these games – especially when considering how they might play out against USC. In particular, ASU's performance against Arizona Wildcats on February 18th serves as a cautionary tale; they suffered a heavy defeat with only 60 points scored compared to Wildcats' staggering tally of 105 points.
Against USC Trojans – who will have home-court advantage – ASU needs to address its defensive lapses seen during that loss while harnessing its offensive strengths displayed against WSU and WASH. The key will be maintaining high shooting percentages while tightening up defense to prevent easy baskets for USC.
ASU fans should expect an intense battle where every possession counts; after all, conference games like these often come down to which team can maintain focus and execute under pressure throughout both halves.
The upcoming clash is scheduled for March 7th at Galen Center starting at precisely nine o'clock PM local time (Pacific Time Zone). Fans unable or unwilling to make the trip can catch all the action live on Fox Sports 1 as both teams vie for supremacy on court.