ASU Updated Statistics Through LSU game and ASU-LSU Box Score in PDF Format
Nov. 27, 2009
New York, New York
By Dushan Mladenovic
Derek Glasser posted a career high 24 points and Eric Boateng had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead the Sun Devils to a 71-52 victory over LSU in the consolation game of the NIT Preseason Tip-Off.
ASU trailed 34-27 at the half but came out in the second half to score 44 points (68.2 percent from the field) and hold LSU to only 18 points (20 percent from the field). LSU was 5 of 25 in the second half and also gave away 11 turnovers, allowing the Sun Devils to take the lead and dominate LSU.
"We had a very good defensive effort in the second half. And at the same time, you know, for that kind of run to occur, they missed some shots that in the first half they were knocking down. But from our perspective, you know, Arizona State's side of the ball, we were much better in the second half, and our defense allowed us to get back in the game and eventually win." said Coach Herb Sendek.
Once again the Sun Devil zone defense shut down their opponent and allowed for a comeback in the second half.
"Our thing is we play defense. As long as we play defense like we did in the second half of this game and the first half of the Duke game, we're going to be able to compete with anybody." said point guard Derek Glasser, who along with his career high 24 points posted six assists.
LSU was without their starting point guard Bo Spencer who suffered a sprained right ankle in their previous game against UConn. Coach Trent Johnson commented, "Obviously against a team like this, if you don't have Bo Spencer who is our leading scorer coming into the game who runs our team...that's a big loss."
Ty Abbott suffered an injury with about 15 minutes remaining when he appeared to be poked in the eye jumping for a loose ball. He was taken to the locker room and did not return and was said to have been cut near or on the eye socket. Abbott had recently returned to the lineup after having arthroscopic knee surgery.
With Rihards Kuksiks and Ty Abbott in foul trouble, Derek Glasser and the defense led the team back from a deficit at the half to secure third place at the NIT Preseason Tip-Off. The Sun Devils returned home 1-1, but were pleased with their overall performance in New York.
"It's always extra special coming to New York and playing in the Garden. It's a wonderful experience for our team," coach Sendek commented when asked what the team gained by playing in the NIT preseason tip-off. "And I think anytime you play against outstanding competition like we did this week, there's always a lot there to learn. And so we'll continue to watch the tape and take all these experiences and try to build on them."