Sun Devils Edge the Aztecs : Basketball: Record 39 turnovers doom SDSU.
- Share via
TEMPE, Ariz. — Stevin Smith banked in a three-point shot at the buzzer to give Arizona State, which staged a furious late run, a 67-64 victory over bumbling San Diego State on Tuesday night.
The shot by Smith capped a 16-3 run over the last 5:57 for the Sun Devils (1-1), who shot only 32% (23 of 72) and missed 28 of 30 three-point attempts at one stage.
San Diego State (1-2) led by as many as 13 points in the second half, but committed a school-record 39 turnovers--many in the final five minutes when Arizona State made its move to win.
The Aztecs took a 61-51 lead on Courtie Miller’s layup with 5:57 left before Arizona State rallied.
The Sun Devils closed within three points on Ron Riley’s dunk with 4:06 to play and capped the rally with Smith sinking a 23-foot three-pointer--the first for his team after 16 straight misses in the second half--to tie the game at 61 with 1:37 to play.
Robert Conlisk missed two free throws with 41 seconds left that could have put the Sun Devils ahead, but Riley made a steal with 17.2 seconds remaining to set up Smith’s game-winning shot.
Keith Balzer had a game-high 18 points for the Aztecs while Miller and Tony Clark scored 10 each.
Tess Whitlock scored 13 points to lead Arizona State, which made only eight of 40 three-pointers and was out-rebounded 42-30. Riley finished with 12 points and Marcell Capers had 10.
More to Read
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.