TEMPE– Sun Devil Men's Basketball played in front of their home crowd for the second straight game when they hosted Kansas State on Tuesday.
Arizona State (12-10, 3-8) persevered until the very end, but suffered a narrow 71-70 loss to Kansas State (11-11, 5-6). After the Wildcats took a 13-point lead early in the second half, the Sun Devils found their rhythm and chipped away at the lead. At one point, Arizona State even managed to retake the lead late in the contest.
Four Sun Devil's managed to reach double figures in tonight's matchup, with Alston Mason leading the way with 20 points while also adding six assists. Forward Basheer Jihad finished with 15 points while connecting on 6-of-7 from the line. Guard BJ Freeman continued his effective scoring, reaching double figures for the 17th time. He finished the night with 14 points and cleared the glass for seven boards. On top of that, Adam Miller finished with 10 points while shooting 4-of-6 from the field.
Taking Care of the Rock
Arizona State committed a season low of seven turnovers in tonight's matchup compared to Kansas State, who turned the ball over 11 times.
Mr. Reliable
Senior guard Alston Mason has been a steady presence in the lineup for Head Coach Bobby Hurley at point guard. Mason has led the team in minutes in 17 of the 21 games. He averages 35.6 minutes per game, which is neck-and-neck with West Virginia's Javon Small (36.1) for the most in the Big 12 and also Top-40 nationally (37th). Mason is also shooting a team-high 82% from the free-throw line, which is 12th in the Big 12.
All-Around Alston
Alston Mason finished with 20 points, six assists and four rebounds while only turning the ball over once in 37 minutes of play. Mason is the first Sun Devil to finish with 20 points and six assists this season.
Ba-Sheer Force
Senior forward Basheer Jihad has been extremely effective at getting to the free throw line while also getting opposing big men in foul trouble. Jihad came into tonight's matchup ranking top five in free throw attempts and made free throws. He added to that accolade, shooting 6-of-7 from the line tonight.
Buying Stocks
Quaintance has combined for 83 'stocks' (61 blocks + 22 steals) in 21 games so far this season. He is one of only two players in the nation (only high major conference player) to boast these numbers (55+ blocks and 20+ steals) despite missing a game. The next closest Power 4 + Big East player is Creighton senior center Ryan Kalkbrenner with 72 stocks through 21 games (58 blocks + 14 steals). For comparison, National Defensive Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome from Auburn has 66 stocks in 19 games (52 blocks + 14 steals).
Block Party
Freshman Jayden Quaintance has recorded 61 blocks thus far in the 2024-2025 season and averages the fourth-most blocks per game (2.9) of any player in the nation. He broke the program freshman record and did so in only 18 games. He has two or more blocks in 18 of 21 games this year, including eight 4+ block performances.
Sun Devil Freshman Blocks Record (1978-79-present)
61, Jayden Quaintance, 2024-25
55, Mario Bennett, 1991-92
33, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
31, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
If he were to maintain his current pace of blocks over a 31-game season, Quaintance would finish with the second-most blocks ever by a Big 12 freshman behind only Texas' Mohamed Bamba despite having missed a game.
Blocked Shots by Big 12 Freshman
111 Mohamed Bamba-UT, 2017-18 (3.7)
˜ 90 Jayden Quaintance-ASU, 2024-25 (3.0)*
90 Chris Mihm-UT, 1997-98 (2.9)
89 Myles Turner-UT, 2014-15 (2.6)
86 Tristan Thompson-UT, 2010-11 (2.4)
85 Yor Anei-OSU, 2018-19 (2.7)
77 Kevin Samuel-TCU, 2018-19 (2.1)
72 Joel Embiid-KU, 2013-14 (2.6)
71 Jaxson Hayes-UT, 2018-19 (2.2)
67 Kevin Durant-UT, 2006-07 (1.9)
*Projected total in a 31-game season at current pace
Quaintance sits in the Top-10 in Arizona State history with his 61 blocked shots this season. He passed Warren Washington (2022-23) for the most blocks by a Sun Devil since Jordan Bachynski set the program record in 2014
Sun Devil Single Season Blocks
1. 133 – Jordan Bachynski, 2014
2. 120 – Jordan Bachynski, 2013
3. 115 – Mario Bennett, 1995
4. 113 – Rodger Farrington, 1997
5. 75 – Ike Diogu, 2005
6. 69 – Tommy Smith, 2003
7. 61 – Jayden Quaintance, 2025 (ASU Freshman Record)
8. 60 – Warren Washington, 2023
9. 56 – Jeff Pendergraph, 2008
10. 55 – Mario Bennett, 1992
11. 55 – Alton Lister, 1980
We Will Block You
Arizona State is second in the Big 12 and 22nd nationally averaging 5.1 blocks per game. Freshman Jayden Quaintance is a big reason why, contributing a league-best 2.9. Basheer Jihad, Shawn Phillips Jr., and BJ Freeman each have nine or more blocks this season.
Hitting the Glass
Not only has Quaintance solidified his status as a premier shot blocker nationally, he has also been outstanding on the glass. He is on pace to become the program's all-time leader in rebounds per game by a freshman, a record previously held by Ike Diogu back in 2002-03. Quaintance has 10+ rebounds in nine games. He is second nationally among freshmen in rebounds per game and fourth in total rebounds. Quaintance has the third most total rebounds in the Big 12 by any player (179).
Sun Devil Freshman Rebounds per Game Record (1978-79-present)
8.5 Jayden Quaintance, 2024-25
7.8, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
7.1, Romello White, 2017-18
6.8, Mario Bennett, 1991-92
6.2, Marcus Bagley, 2020-21
6.2, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
6.1, Jeff Pendergraph, 2005-06
5.8, Johnny Nash, 1976-77
5.4, Kyle Cain, 2010-11
5.3, James Harden, 2007-08
Ace Wolf
Senior guard Adam Miller has been hot offensively throughout his last five games, averaging 13.4 points while shooting 52% (24-of-46) from the field and 54% from three (14-of-26).
First Half:
BJ Freeman pulled the trigger from deep with a hand in his face to give the Sun Devils its first points of the night, leading 3-0 over the Wildcats. Arizona State took control of the tipoff immediately and established a 10-0 lead, forcing Kansas State to call a timeout to regroup.
The Sun Devils continued to roll with the help of another treyball by BJ Freeman and an and-1 play with Alston Mason taking it all the way to the rim. Arizona State held a 17-2 lead over Kansas State with 11:43 remaining in the half.
The Sun Devils kept control of the lead, and headed into a media timeout with a 20-9 lead over the Wildcats.
Kansas State began to find their rhythm, going on a 9-3 scoring run, but Basheer Jihad ended that momentum with a three of his own, giving Arizona State a 23-11 lead. The Wildcats managed to put together another 8-3 scoring run, forcing the Sun Devils into a timeout while holding onto a 26-19 lead before half.
Arizona State headed into half trailing 35-32 to Kansas State hoping to get things back on track.
Second Half:
BJ Freeman got a clean look from deep after an offensive rebound, leaving the Sun Devils trailing 40-35 coming out of halftime. Arizona State headed into a media timeout trailing 42-35 to Kansas State, with 15:47 remaining in regulation.
The Wildcats took advantage of their rhythm on the court and put together a 13-3 scoring run, forcing the Sun Devils into a timeout to regroup with 13:02 left in regulation. Alston Mason and Joson Sanon got Arizona State back in rhythm coming out of the timeout, bringing the deficit within eight.
Basheer Jihad created enough space in the corner for a treyball to bring the Sun Devils deficit within five, trailing 53-48 with 8:27 remaining. Alston Mason split the defenders and finished with a nice touch at the rim to bring Arizona State's deficit within six. Basheer Jihad found Joson Sanon for a catch-and-shoot three, leaving the Sun Devils only trailing 62-59 with 5:11 remaining. Jayden Quaintance threw it down with authority on the fastbreak opportunity, climbing Arizona State all the way back to a 63-62 lead over Kansas State.
The Sun Devils headed into the final two minutes trailing 66-65 to the Wildcats. BJ Freeman got shifty in the paint and managed to get the floater to drop over two defenders, regaining the lead for Arizona State. Alston Mason enabled his clutch factor with an and-1 finish at the rim, bringing the Sun Devils deficit to one with 42 seconds left. Arizona State fell short in the end, losing 71-70 to Kansas State.
Arizona State Head Coach Bobby Hurley
Opening Statement:
"This was a tough finish, it kind of regurgitates what happens if that's what you want but it was. We got off to a great star, we were making shots. I thought we were playing a step quicker than them. We let them back in, I wrote down what our percentages were in the first half on unguarded threes, so we were 5 of 19 from shooting the three with barely anyone near you. We know there were a lot of points we left out on the board. In the second half, we didn't start well. We were having similar issues. Kansas State shot 14 out of 20 in the last few minutes of the first half from the field. We stopped playing defense too, there were just a lot of problems and I was shocked that we even had a chance to win. Jayden Quaintance has had such a great season for us and is such a young player. It's a lot of pressure to put on his shoulders to make those free throws at that moment, but there were a lot of other things that happened that would have been in a better position to win this game."
On the team's three point attempts during the game:
"I prefaced everything with the unguarded three point shots. We can now chart unguarded shots, that means that no one is within five feet of the player when they shoot. So at this level with the quality of shooting that we've shown throughout the course of the season, to be 5 of 19 from three on our home floor, we can't win with these results. I have guys that I expect to take those shots and we can't win if a higher percentage of them don't go in."
On Redshirt Senior Guard Adam Miller's ejection:
"I was noticing, throughout spurts of the game, no signs of a desperate way of competing. I don't know if the game on Saturday against Arizona just takes so much out of you emotionally that you just can't answer the bell again in three days but, here we go again, we're making excuses. Adam Miller, I think, could see that and I think that's what led to his frustration. He's a superior competitor and a winner, I think the emotions of the game got to him and that's what was part of that issue. He hasn't done anything like that in my two years coaching him."
Graduate Guard Alston Mason
On the frustration of getting over the hump:
"It's tough. You have a brand new team, brand new guys, freshmen still trying to learn. But it just comes down to finishing games. We started off really well today and then in between, we just kind of fell apart as a team. And when you're in the Big 12, you can't do that at any moment of the game. But we fight. We just have to find a way to finish it and win the game."
On losing Adam Miller in the second half:
"It hurts losing a senior like Adam Miller on our team who was playing very well. He's a big role, he's a big part of our team, so it definitely does hurt. But in that huddle we have guys that gotta step up. It comes down to guys stepping up and you gotta fill that role right then and there. And I think guys did that. We just need to finish the job."
Up Next
Sun Devil Men's Basketball will be travelling to Stillwater, Oklahoma to take on Oklahoma State on February 9th at 12:00 p.m. MST. Coverage can be seen on ESPN+ and heard on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (KMVP).
Sun Devils on Social
For exclusive content, the latest updates, and more information on the Sun Devil Men's Basketball program, follow our X/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilHoops), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/SunDevilHoops/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com). Follow Coach Hurley on X (@BobbyHurley11).
Arizona State (12-10, 3-8) persevered until the very end, but suffered a narrow 71-70 loss to Kansas State (11-11, 5-6). After the Wildcats took a 13-point lead early in the second half, the Sun Devils found their rhythm and chipped away at the lead. At one point, Arizona State even managed to retake the lead late in the contest.
Four Sun Devil's managed to reach double figures in tonight's matchup, with Alston Mason leading the way with 20 points while also adding six assists. Forward Basheer Jihad finished with 15 points while connecting on 6-of-7 from the line. Guard BJ Freeman continued his effective scoring, reaching double figures for the 17th time. He finished the night with 14 points and cleared the glass for seven boards. On top of that, Adam Miller finished with 10 points while shooting 4-of-6 from the field.
Taking Care of the Rock
Arizona State committed a season low of seven turnovers in tonight's matchup compared to Kansas State, who turned the ball over 11 times.
Mr. Reliable
Senior guard Alston Mason has been a steady presence in the lineup for Head Coach Bobby Hurley at point guard. Mason has led the team in minutes in 17 of the 21 games. He averages 35.6 minutes per game, which is neck-and-neck with West Virginia's Javon Small (36.1) for the most in the Big 12 and also Top-40 nationally (37th). Mason is also shooting a team-high 82% from the free-throw line, which is 12th in the Big 12.
All-Around Alston
Alston Mason finished with 20 points, six assists and four rebounds while only turning the ball over once in 37 minutes of play. Mason is the first Sun Devil to finish with 20 points and six assists this season.
Ba-Sheer Force
Senior forward Basheer Jihad has been extremely effective at getting to the free throw line while also getting opposing big men in foul trouble. Jihad came into tonight's matchup ranking top five in free throw attempts and made free throws. He added to that accolade, shooting 6-of-7 from the line tonight.
Buying Stocks
Quaintance has combined for 83 'stocks' (61 blocks + 22 steals) in 21 games so far this season. He is one of only two players in the nation (only high major conference player) to boast these numbers (55+ blocks and 20+ steals) despite missing a game. The next closest Power 4 + Big East player is Creighton senior center Ryan Kalkbrenner with 72 stocks through 21 games (58 blocks + 14 steals). For comparison, National Defensive Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome from Auburn has 66 stocks in 19 games (52 blocks + 14 steals).
Block Party
Freshman Jayden Quaintance has recorded 61 blocks thus far in the 2024-2025 season and averages the fourth-most blocks per game (2.9) of any player in the nation. He broke the program freshman record and did so in only 18 games. He has two or more blocks in 18 of 21 games this year, including eight 4+ block performances.
Sun Devil Freshman Blocks Record (1978-79-present)
61, Jayden Quaintance, 2024-25
55, Mario Bennett, 1991-92
33, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
31, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
If he were to maintain his current pace of blocks over a 31-game season, Quaintance would finish with the second-most blocks ever by a Big 12 freshman behind only Texas' Mohamed Bamba despite having missed a game.
Blocked Shots by Big 12 Freshman
111 Mohamed Bamba-UT, 2017-18 (3.7)
˜ 90 Jayden Quaintance-ASU, 2024-25 (3.0)*
90 Chris Mihm-UT, 1997-98 (2.9)
89 Myles Turner-UT, 2014-15 (2.6)
86 Tristan Thompson-UT, 2010-11 (2.4)
85 Yor Anei-OSU, 2018-19 (2.7)
77 Kevin Samuel-TCU, 2018-19 (2.1)
72 Joel Embiid-KU, 2013-14 (2.6)
71 Jaxson Hayes-UT, 2018-19 (2.2)
67 Kevin Durant-UT, 2006-07 (1.9)
*Projected total in a 31-game season at current pace
Quaintance sits in the Top-10 in Arizona State history with his 61 blocked shots this season. He passed Warren Washington (2022-23) for the most blocks by a Sun Devil since Jordan Bachynski set the program record in 2014
Sun Devil Single Season Blocks
1. 133 – Jordan Bachynski, 2014
2. 120 – Jordan Bachynski, 2013
3. 115 – Mario Bennett, 1995
4. 113 – Rodger Farrington, 1997
5. 75 – Ike Diogu, 2005
6. 69 – Tommy Smith, 2003
7. 61 – Jayden Quaintance, 2025 (ASU Freshman Record)
8. 60 – Warren Washington, 2023
9. 56 – Jeff Pendergraph, 2008
10. 55 – Mario Bennett, 1992
11. 55 – Alton Lister, 1980
We Will Block You
Arizona State is second in the Big 12 and 22nd nationally averaging 5.1 blocks per game. Freshman Jayden Quaintance is a big reason why, contributing a league-best 2.9. Basheer Jihad, Shawn Phillips Jr., and BJ Freeman each have nine or more blocks this season.
Hitting the Glass
Not only has Quaintance solidified his status as a premier shot blocker nationally, he has also been outstanding on the glass. He is on pace to become the program's all-time leader in rebounds per game by a freshman, a record previously held by Ike Diogu back in 2002-03. Quaintance has 10+ rebounds in nine games. He is second nationally among freshmen in rebounds per game and fourth in total rebounds. Quaintance has the third most total rebounds in the Big 12 by any player (179).
Sun Devil Freshman Rebounds per Game Record (1978-79-present)
8.5 Jayden Quaintance, 2024-25
7.8, Ike Diogu, 2002-03
7.1, Romello White, 2017-18
6.8, Mario Bennett, 1991-92
6.2, Marcus Bagley, 2020-21
6.2, Jamal Faulkner, 1990-91
6.1, Jeff Pendergraph, 2005-06
5.8, Johnny Nash, 1976-77
5.4, Kyle Cain, 2010-11
5.3, James Harden, 2007-08
Ace Wolf
Senior guard Adam Miller has been hot offensively throughout his last five games, averaging 13.4 points while shooting 52% (24-of-46) from the field and 54% from three (14-of-26).
First Half:
BJ Freeman pulled the trigger from deep with a hand in his face to give the Sun Devils its first points of the night, leading 3-0 over the Wildcats. Arizona State took control of the tipoff immediately and established a 10-0 lead, forcing Kansas State to call a timeout to regroup.
The Sun Devils continued to roll with the help of another treyball by BJ Freeman and an and-1 play with Alston Mason taking it all the way to the rim. Arizona State held a 17-2 lead over Kansas State with 11:43 remaining in the half.
The Sun Devils kept control of the lead, and headed into a media timeout with a 20-9 lead over the Wildcats.
Kansas State began to find their rhythm, going on a 9-3 scoring run, but Basheer Jihad ended that momentum with a three of his own, giving Arizona State a 23-11 lead. The Wildcats managed to put together another 8-3 scoring run, forcing the Sun Devils into a timeout while holding onto a 26-19 lead before half.
Arizona State headed into half trailing 35-32 to Kansas State hoping to get things back on track.
Second Half:
BJ Freeman got a clean look from deep after an offensive rebound, leaving the Sun Devils trailing 40-35 coming out of halftime. Arizona State headed into a media timeout trailing 42-35 to Kansas State, with 15:47 remaining in regulation.
The Wildcats took advantage of their rhythm on the court and put together a 13-3 scoring run, forcing the Sun Devils into a timeout to regroup with 13:02 left in regulation. Alston Mason and Joson Sanon got Arizona State back in rhythm coming out of the timeout, bringing the deficit within eight.
Basheer Jihad created enough space in the corner for a treyball to bring the Sun Devils deficit within five, trailing 53-48 with 8:27 remaining. Alston Mason split the defenders and finished with a nice touch at the rim to bring Arizona State's deficit within six. Basheer Jihad found Joson Sanon for a catch-and-shoot three, leaving the Sun Devils only trailing 62-59 with 5:11 remaining. Jayden Quaintance threw it down with authority on the fastbreak opportunity, climbing Arizona State all the way back to a 63-62 lead over Kansas State.
The Sun Devils headed into the final two minutes trailing 66-65 to the Wildcats. BJ Freeman got shifty in the paint and managed to get the floater to drop over two defenders, regaining the lead for Arizona State. Alston Mason enabled his clutch factor with an and-1 finish at the rim, bringing the Sun Devils deficit to one with 42 seconds left. Arizona State fell short in the end, losing 71-70 to Kansas State.
Arizona State Head Coach Bobby Hurley
Opening Statement:
"This was a tough finish, it kind of regurgitates what happens if that's what you want but it was. We got off to a great star, we were making shots. I thought we were playing a step quicker than them. We let them back in, I wrote down what our percentages were in the first half on unguarded threes, so we were 5 of 19 from shooting the three with barely anyone near you. We know there were a lot of points we left out on the board. In the second half, we didn't start well. We were having similar issues. Kansas State shot 14 out of 20 in the last few minutes of the first half from the field. We stopped playing defense too, there were just a lot of problems and I was shocked that we even had a chance to win. Jayden Quaintance has had such a great season for us and is such a young player. It's a lot of pressure to put on his shoulders to make those free throws at that moment, but there were a lot of other things that happened that would have been in a better position to win this game."
On the team's three point attempts during the game:
"I prefaced everything with the unguarded three point shots. We can now chart unguarded shots, that means that no one is within five feet of the player when they shoot. So at this level with the quality of shooting that we've shown throughout the course of the season, to be 5 of 19 from three on our home floor, we can't win with these results. I have guys that I expect to take those shots and we can't win if a higher percentage of them don't go in."
On Redshirt Senior Guard Adam Miller's ejection:
"I was noticing, throughout spurts of the game, no signs of a desperate way of competing. I don't know if the game on Saturday against Arizona just takes so much out of you emotionally that you just can't answer the bell again in three days but, here we go again, we're making excuses. Adam Miller, I think, could see that and I think that's what led to his frustration. He's a superior competitor and a winner, I think the emotions of the game got to him and that's what was part of that issue. He hasn't done anything like that in my two years coaching him."
Graduate Guard Alston Mason
On the frustration of getting over the hump:
"It's tough. You have a brand new team, brand new guys, freshmen still trying to learn. But it just comes down to finishing games. We started off really well today and then in between, we just kind of fell apart as a team. And when you're in the Big 12, you can't do that at any moment of the game. But we fight. We just have to find a way to finish it and win the game."
On losing Adam Miller in the second half:
"It hurts losing a senior like Adam Miller on our team who was playing very well. He's a big role, he's a big part of our team, so it definitely does hurt. But in that huddle we have guys that gotta step up. It comes down to guys stepping up and you gotta fill that role right then and there. And I think guys did that. We just need to finish the job."
Up Next
Sun Devil Men's Basketball will be travelling to Stillwater, Oklahoma to take on Oklahoma State on February 9th at 12:00 p.m. MST. Coverage can be seen on ESPN+ and heard on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (KMVP).
Sun Devils on Social
For exclusive content, the latest updates, and more information on the Sun Devil Men's Basketball program, follow our X/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilHoops), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/SunDevilHoops/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com). Follow Coach Hurley on X (@BobbyHurley11).