West Virginia’s fight too much for the Sun Devils to overcome

TEMPE, Ariz. – The West Virginia Mountaineers (12-6 overall, 4-2 conference) secured their first win outside of Morgantown in a 75-63 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils (10-9, 1-5) in Big 12 play.

The Sun Devils were looking to snap a two-game losing streak, and now see their season in jeopardy as the upcoming games become must-win games.

“We failed, I am failing, I can’t get through to the team,” ASU head coach Bobby Hurley said.

 The communication on the floor isn’t translating from the huddle, causing turnovers and wasted possessions.

“Guys aren’t being focused,” sophomore Santiago Trouet said. “That’s it.”

Sun Devils defense

The Sun Devils’ defense took another hit from the Mountaineers, who shot 51% from the field and 46% from 3-pointers.

West Virginia got another strong performance from senior forward Treysen Eaglestaff with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and a huge pull-up jumper from senior guard Honor Huff before halftime to cut the ASU lead to 3.

“Going up five instead of two in a game like this,” Hurley said. “I like their team, they have a distinct style, they don’t do anything they can’t do.”

Arizona State was able to capitalize on 18 points off turnovers, but gave West Virginia’s offense 12 points off 13 ASU turnovers and 10 points off 2nd chance points.

“We can’t afford to turn the ball over 13 times against a team like this,” Hurley said. “We can’t afford in a lesser possession game, do those things.”

ASU wasn’t able to capitalize on the free throws, shooting 56% to the Mountaineers 77% from the line.

ASU rebound struggles

In key moments down the stretch, the Sun Devils weren’t able to secure key rebounds to give them a chance to put up points.

“We need to make them miss somewhere and just couldn’t come up with the rebound,” Hurley said. “Been a consistent theme throughout.”

The Sun Devils face Cincinnati at home on Jan. 24 with their backs up against the wall, fighting to find consistency and focus within the team.