(Photo: ASU Athletics)
What started off as a sloppy, slow matchup turned into a solid 79-60 win for Arizona State over USC on Thursday night.
Center Jordan Bachynski’s 20 points and 12 rebounds led the way for the Sun Devils. Also contributing were double-digit scoring efforts from three other ASU starters contributed to the blowout victory.
Pounding the ball into Bachynski within the painted area both helped wear down the Trojans, and free up space for Arizona State shooters.
Jahii Carson complemented Bachynski’s performance with 18 points of his own. However, the star point guard continued his recent trend of carelessness with four turnovers. Carson is now averaging four and a half turnovers over the last four games.
The first half consisted mostly of disarray and disorganization from both squads. Field goal percentages for both teams were in the low 30s for much of the half.
Guard Jermaine Marshall sparked ASU with about six minutes remaining in the first half when he made a three-pointer to put ASU up 25-19.
Not long after Marshall’s points, Jahii Carson made his first shot of the contest after missing his first four attempts. Carson got his train going and the Sun Devils went into the half on a 19-9 run with a sizable 44-28 lead.
Marshall may not have headlined the Sun Devils’ win on this night, but once again, the transfer swingman played a part in an ASU victory even if the box score did not indicate that production.
In the end, the Sun Devils secured the 13th win of the season by continuing to keep the Trojans’ brief comebacks at bay with virtuous play from their starters.
On a down note, Thursday was another night that lacked bench production as ASU only received 10 points from role players.
Arizona State has a chance to improve on all their inadequacies again Sunday as they take on the UCLA Bruins in the Pavilion Center.
