"There's a lot of positives we could take out of this when we get back to the United States and get back to work on the court," said Bobby Hurley. "I think this team has a lot of potential to grow from this experience and this game. On an educational and cultural standpoint, it was a great life experience."
The junior left his mark across the box score, leading the team in points, rebounds (nine), assists (eight), and steals (five). His nine rebounds are a career-high, and his five steals match his career-high when he stripped five Jayhawks at Kansas on Dec. 10, 2017.
"I have high hopes for this team as the year moves forward," said Hurley. "I really loved the determination that the guys showed in the second half to erase a 17-point deficit and give us a chance to win late."
#Pac12AfterDark has gone GLOBAL ??????
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) November 9, 2019
Sun Devils cut the Buffs lead to 2 with 11:25 left...
Tune in on ESPN 2 ?? pic.twitter.com/yaH0dYIlmm
Rob Edwards notched his second-most points in a Sun Devil uniform, scoring 20 points on 6-of-11 from the floor. The redshirt senior connected on four three-pointers on his six attempts beyond the arc.
BIG. SHOT. ROB.@robedwardss2 leading the way with 20 points here in Shanghai
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) November 9, 2019
Sun Devils 66 | Buffs 70
? 5:30 pic.twitter.com/kkPMDlXNcl
Kimani Lawrence rounded out the Sun Devils in double figures, recording 10 points on four-of-nine shooting. Lawrence grabbed six rebounds in the effort before fouling out late in the second half.
Kimani said ?? AND ONE
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) November 9, 2019
?? Sun Devils on a 15-2 run ??
Sun Devils 51 | Buffs 52
? 12:44 pic.twitter.com/6emgDGcaj5
Jalen Graham – a local product from Mountain Point high school – became the sixth Sun Devil freshman to start on opening night since 2007-2008. He scored six points on three-of-four shooting, grabbing three rebounds and blocking five shots.
Taeshon Cherry and Romello White missed Friday night's game due to a violation of team rules in an incident that occurred before the trip to China.
"If you would have told me that I wouldn't have had my starting center or power forward available for the game and I had two of my better players combine for 3-for-20, in Alonzo Verge and Jaelen House, I would have thought the score would have been a lot worse," said Hurley. "I think we are a way better scoring team than we showed tonight."
House recorded 30 minutes in his first collegiate action, showcasing his relentless energy and tenacious defense. His drive next to already proven Martin will be at the Sun Devils disposal in the backcourt this season.
The Sun Devils return to the United States and are back in action on Nov. 14 against Central Connecticut State in Tempe, AZ. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. MST at Desert Financial Arena and will be aired on Pac-12 Networks.
Came up short.
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) November 9, 2019
Thank you to the city of Shanghai for hosting us this past week! #ForksUp | #Pac12ChinaGame pic.twitter.com/g9N00OqDA6
REMY MARTIN 20+ SCORING TILTS
31 vs. Arizona (1/31/19)
27 at Arizona (3/9/19)
24 at California (1/9/19)
23 vs. Colorado/China (11/9/19)
22 vs. Utah (1/3/19)
21 at Georgia (12/15/18)
21 at #2 Kansas (12/10/17)
20 vs. Colorado/Las Vegas (3/7/18)
ROB EDWARDS TOP SUN DEVIL SCORING TILTS
28 at Utah (2/16/19)
20 vs. Colorado/China (11/9/19)
19 vs. Arizona (1/31/19)
16 vs. California (2/24/19)
16 vs. Stanford (2/20/19)
15 vs. Oregon (3/15/19)
15 vs. UCLA 3/14/19)
15 vs. #1 Kansas (12/22/18)
ASU'S EARLIEST SEASON OPENERS
Nov. 6, 2018: ASU 102, Cal State Fullerton 94, 2 OT
Nov. 8, 2013: ASU 96, UMBC 61
Nov. 9, 2019: Colorado 81, ASU 71 in Shanghai/Pac-12 China game
Nov. 10, 2017: ASU 94, Idaho State 74
Nov. 10, 2012: ASU 79, Central Arkansas 64
Nov. 10, 2000: Tulsa 69, ASU 67 (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
Nov. 11, 2016: ASU 88, Portland State 70
Nov. 11, 2011: ASU 78, Montana State 72
SUN DEVIL FRESHMAN OPENING NIGHT STARTERS
2019-2020: Jalen Graham
2018-2019: Luguentz Dort
2017-2018: Vitaliy Shibel
2016-2017: Sam Cunliffe
2014-2015: Tra Holder
2012-2013: Jahii Carson
2007-2008: Ty Abbott, James Harden, Jamelle McMillan
2006-2007: Christian Polk, Jerren Shipp
2003-2004: Tron Smith, Keith Wooden
2002-2003: Ike Diogu
1999-2000: Donnell Knight
1992-1993: Ron Riley
1991-1992: Mario Bennett, Tony Ronaldson
1990-1991: Jamal Faulkner, Stevin Smith
1986-1987: Tyrone Mitchell
1985-1986: Alex Austin
1984-1985: Chris Sandle
1981-1982: Shawn Holiday
1979-1980: Bryon Scott
1976-1977: Johnny Nash
1972-1973: Gary Jackson
Since 2010, Remy Martin became the second player in all of NCAA basketball to score at least 20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals in an opening night game. Ethan Telfair notched those numbers on Nov. 11, 2016 for Idaho State at New Mexico.