ASU keeps their tournament hopes alive by defeating Washington State at home 69-57. With a 14 point lead at the half, it looked like the Sun Devils were going to run away with the game.
The duo of Carrick Felix and Jahii Carson outscored the entire cougar squad in the first half 24-22.
“Carrick was nothing short of spectacular,” said Head Coach Herb Sendek. “Another double-double. Just the energy he is playing with is incredible.”
Felix’s 23 points and 11 boards, along with Carson’s 21 points was the spark the team needed to reach the teams 20th victory of the season.
“We definitely started the game off with a lot of energy,” said senior forward Carrick Felix. “Guys were just ready. They were prepared to battle tonight. We did let up though in the second half.”
Although ASU never lost their lead, they allowed the Cougars to fight back to within 8 points in the final minutes due to some sloppy play.
“Our one Achilles heel tonight on offense was our turnovers that led to some easy baskets for Washington State,” Sendek said. “We had four up in Pullman. Tonight we had 15 [turnovers].”
The Sun Devils can’t afford to make these same mistakes down the stretch if they want to make it to the big dance.
“If we win all of our games, there is no question or doubt that we are going to be in it, ” said freshman guard Jahii Carson. “If we slip up and we lose a couple games, close ones, that means we are on the bubble and there are chances that we might not go.”
