Arizona State triumphs with key performances from Jihad and Sanon
- Arizona State overcame a strong challenge from New Mexico and won by three points.
- Basheer Jihad’s scoring prowess was crucial in maintaining Arizona State’s competitiveness.
- The Sun Devils will continue their pursuit of victory in the championship game against Saint Mary's.
In Palm Springs, California, on November 28, 2024, Arizona State University secured an 85-82 victory over New Mexico during the Acrisure Classic. Basheer Jihad was a standout performer for the Sun Devils, contributing 20 points, while Joson Sanon added 19 points to the team's effort. Despite opening the game with a commanding 13-point lead, Arizona State struggled to maintain their advantage as New Mexico rallied back toward the end of the first half. Donovan Dent led New Mexico with a remarkable 30-point performance, supported by Mustapha Amzil, who scored a career-high 28 points. The match saw a total of seven ties and five lead changes in the final minutes, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the game. Arizona State initially built a significant lead after Sanon's impressive 3-pointer that pushed the score to a 13-point advantage. However, a scoring drought allowed New Mexico to stage a comeback, fueled by a 19-3 run. This shift in momentum culminated in an evenly matched second half, where both teams exchanged baskets and leads fiercely. With less than two minutes left, Jihad's 3-pointer helped regain a lead for Arizona State, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Alston Mason also made critical contributions by successfully sinking four crucial free throws in the closing moments of the game, solidifying the Sun Devils' victory. This win marked Arizona State's fourth consecutive triumph, following a previous loss to Gonzaga, and they looked forward to facing Saint Mary’s in the championship match while New Mexico prepared for a consolation game against Southern California.