Nov. 16, 2010
By: Dushan Mladenovic, ASU Media Relations
Trent Lockett's racked up a career-high 22 points but it was not enough for the Devils as they lost 76-62 at New Mexico(2-0) in their season opener. It was ASU's first loss in their season opener since 2007. Seniors Ty Abbott and Jamelle McMillan both posted eight points.
The Sun Devils(0-1) jumped out to an early 13-7 lead but stalled from there allowing 20 unanswered points. ASU had four turnovers and were 0-7 from the field over the seven minute span that put the Lobos up 27-13. The Devils spent the rest of the game catching up.
ASU was able to put together a 9-2 run to bring the score to 35-29 at the half.
The Devils brought the lead within five in the second half but consecutive threes by Curtis Dennis and two threes by Kendall Williams put the Lobos back into double digits. New Mexico kept the lead in double digits for the remainder of the game to give ASU their first loss of the season.
New Mexico's Dairese Gary scored 18 points and Kendall Williams posted 15. The Lobos forced 13 turnovers and shot 46 percent from the field.
New Mexico is definitely not the easiest place to start a season. The Lobos went 17-1 at home last season on their way to the Mountain West title. A road win at New Mexico to start the season would have put the Devils on the map but they showed they still have improvements to make.
The Devils made 5 of 21 attempts from behind the arc and 13-23 at the free throw line. Lockett was the only Sun Devil to post double digits. ASU shot 40 percent from the field.
The Sun Devils take on Alabama Birmingham on Saturday, November 20 at 2 PM for their home opener at Wells Fargo Arena.