BJ Freeman helps Arizona State hold off Santa Clara:- BJ Freeman led Arizona State to an 81-74 victory over Santa Clara on Friday night at the Las Vegas Hoopfest in Henderson, Nevada. Freeman scored 17 points, including a game-winning three-pointer in the last minute of the game.
BJ Freeman helps Arizona State hold off Santa Clara
The Sun Devils (2-0) were successful from beyond the arc 15 times out of 37 times, with Amier Ali contributing 13 points and Adam Miller contributing 16 points.
In the first game of the season, Arizona State University defeated Idaho State by a score of 7-of-24 from three-point range.
Two players, Adama Bal and Carlos Stewart Jr., contributed 17 points each to Santa Clara’s record of 1-1. Twelve of Elijah Mahi’s fourteen points came during the first half of the game.
It was the first time that the two institutions had competed against one another since Austin State University sacked Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek in 2015.
At halftime, ASU held a 36-34 lead over Santa Clara, but Stewart made two consecutive three-point shots, putting Santa Clara ahead 42-40 with 17 minutes and 37 seconds remaining.
The Sun Devils regained the lead with 15 minutes and 31 seconds remaining, thanks to three consecutive triples made by Freeman. With 7:30 remaining, Ali made a three-pointer, which gave Arizona State University a 61-56 lead.
With 6:18 remaining, Ali made another three-pointer, which extended the advantage to 66-59. A three-point play was scored by Christoph Tilly, and Bal added another three-pointer to bring Santa Clara within 68-67 with 4:10 remaining in the game.
Two free throws made by Camaron Tongue gave the Broncos the lead back at 69-68 with 3 minutes and 34 seconds remaining, but a layup made by Freeman placed Arizona State University back in the lead for good. At 1:28 of the clock, Alton Mason made a three-point shot, which pushed the margin to 75-69.
Freeman then made his triple with 48 seconds left to play, which effectively ended the game. ASU was able to take a 23-12 lead with 8:12 remaining in the first half thanks to a three-pointer made by Joson Sanon.
However, Santa Clara responded with seven consecutive points. At 3 minutes and 24 seconds before halftime, the Broncos took a 27-26 lead thanks to two free throws made by Tongue.
On Sunday, Arizona State University will travel to face Gonzaga, which is ranked sixth, while Santa Clara will play host to North Dakota State on Wednesday. –Media at the Field Level