Arizona State defeats Saint Mary's in thrilling Acrisure Classic final

In Palm Springs, California, Arizona State University faced off against Saint Mary's College in the championship game of the Acrisure Classic on November 29, 2024. The match concluded with Arizona State emerging victorious 68-64, marking the first loss of the season for the Gaels. Joson Sanon led the Sun Devils with 19 points, showcasing his skill both on the perimeter and inside the paint. Additionally, freshman Jayden Quaintance played a pivotal role, particularly in the closing moments where he secured an offensive rebound and scored, helping to maintain Arizona State's lead at a crucial moment. While the game was tightly contested, Sanon's performance alongside contributions from Adam Miller and BJ Freeman ultimately secured the win for Arizona State. The game unfolded with both teams trading leads, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness typical of college basketball. Saint Mary's initially held a narrow advantage at halftime, leading 34-32, ensued by a back-and-forth second half. Arizona State managed to regain the lead thanks to a critical three-pointer by Adam Miller that brought the score to 63-60. This pivotal moment emphasized the Sun Devils’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As the clock dwindled, free throws played a crucial role; Basheer Jihad and Alston Mason combined to hit critical shots that solidified Arizona State's advantage, ultimately sealing the victory and maintaining their impressive five-game winning streak. Statistically, Arizona State shot 46% from the floor, demonstrating effective scoring, though they struggled from beyond the arc, making only 5 of 18 attempts. In contrast, Saint Mary's shot 41.7% overall and fared better from distance with 8 of 17 three-pointers, but their performance at the free-throw line was less impressive compared to their opponents, making only 6 of 12 attempts. The game's dynamics not only showcased the skills of emerging talents like Sanon and Quaintance but also highlighted the strategies and adjustments made by both coaching staffs as they navigated through the competitive environment of the Acrisure Classic. This championship victory has important implications for Arizona State as they improve their season record to 7-1, building momentum as they head into subsequent games. Meanwhile, Saint Mary's, also sitting at a 7-1 record prior to this matchup, will need to regroup after enduring their first defeat of the season. The close nature of the game points toward the potential for both teams to remain competitive in the upcoming challenges they will face throughout the season, while fans and analysts alike will be eager to observe how these teams respond to this significant early-season matchup.