By Cal Aboud, SDA Media Relations
SEATTLE, WASH. – The Arizona State men’s basketball team dealt the Washington Huskies their seventh straight loss in a 78-68 victory. Led by a game-high 23 points from guard Gerry Blakes, the Sun Devils improve to 13-12 overall, and 5-7 in conference play.
The Sun Devils got off to a slow start in the first half going 11-for-28 from the field. With three-point specialist Bo Barnes unable to play due to an ankle injury he sustained Friday evening against Washington State, the Sun Devils went 1-for-3 from beyond the arc for the half. Being unable to produce from the perimeter is uncharacteristic of Herb Sendek’s team, who entering the game had made 54 more three-pointers than their opponents. Despite early scoring struggles ASU managed to outrebound the Washington Huskies 22-to-17 during the first half. Big man Eric Jacobsen played strong in the post finishing with six points and six rebounds by the end of the half.
The Washington Huskies experienced their own struggles shooting 35.7% from the field and picking up ten fouls on the half. As a result of a combination of poor play by the Huskies and tremendous board play by ASU, the Sun Devils entered halftime with a one point lead.
It is important to note that the Sun Devils are 11-3 on the season while leading at half.
The second half proved to be a shootout and had multiple lead changes. The Sun Devils improved immensely on the offensive-side of the ball. Gerry Blakes exploded and had 18 points on the half. Blakes who scored the final 16 points in Friday night’s contest against Washington State, at one point scored seven in a row. Savon Goodman dominated the boards and finished with a game high 13 rebounds. Overall the Sun Devils shot 17-for-29 from the field in the second half, up nearly 20% from the previous half. The Sun Devils closed the game on a 10-to-3 run, sealing a ten-point victory.
The Sun Devils had three players (Shaq Mckissic, Savon Goodman, and Gerry Blakes) score in double-figures. Blakes had his fifth 20+ point scoring game of the season, and also posted seven rebounds and three assists. Savon Goodman also added 19 points and posted his third double-double of the season. Shaq Mckissic back in his home state of Washington contributed 16 points and three rebounds.
The Sun Devils’ victory snaps Washington’s eight-game winning streak against ASU.
Up next, the Sun Devils return home to host UCLA, Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. PT. The game will be televised on EPSN 2, with Arizona Cardinal voice Dave Pasch and Bill Walton on the call. During the night ASU will honor James Harden and place his No. 13 in the rafters of Wells Fargo Arena.