Arizona State Sun Devils' Late Surge Falls Short Against Baylor Bears

In a closely contested matchup, the Arizona State Sun Devils faced off against the Baylor Bears, culminating in a 66-72 defeat for the home team. This game brought the Sun Devils' season record to an even split, while the Bears improved their standing, showcasing their resilience on the court. Despite a spirited comeback attempt in the second half and overtime, Arizona State fell just short of overturning a first-half deficit.

Game Highlights

The Sun Devils showed remarkable tenacity, erasing part of a significant lead built by the Bears in the first half. The home team's effort was highlighted by an impressive 41 points in the second half compared to 20 in the opening period. However, it was not enough to secure victory as they entered overtime with momentum but could only add 5 points to their total during this decisive period.

Key performances for Arizona State included BJ Freeman's standout contribution of 22 points alongside his defensive efforts that included 2 blocks and a steal. Alston Mason also made significant contributions with 14 points and led with 5 assists, demonstrating his all-around game. Basheer Jihad added another layer of offense with his efficient shooting from beyond the arc and free-throw line contributing to his total of 10 points.

On defense, Jayden Quaintance was notable for his presence inside with two blocks and eight rebounds despite scoring only five points. His efforts epitomized Arizona State's defensive strategy but ultimately fell short against a determined Baylor team that capitalized on turnovers and executed efficiently from both inside paint and midrange.

Baylor Bears' Winning Formula

The Baylor Bears leveraged their balanced attack and strong defensive play throughout regulation time into overtime to clinch victory away from home. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as they outscored Arizona State in crucial moments of overtime.

Notably effective for Baylor were their strategies around paint control where they scored consistently while limiting Arizona State's opportunities at rim shots evidenced by holding them to just over forty percent shooting at rim attempts. The visiting team also excelled at converting turnovers into points which contributed significantly towards building their lead during critical stretches of play.

Looking Ahead

Arizona State Sun Devils will look forward to bouncing back when they host UCF Knights at Desert Financial Arena on January 14th at 11:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch this upcoming game live on ESPNU as both teams vie for supremacy early in this competitive season.

This encounter promises another opportunity for Arizona State Sun Devils to showcase their resilience and adaptability against formidable opposition as they aim for success before their supportive home crowd.