The Arizona State men’s basketball team struggled in its season opener, falling to Mississippi State 71-56 at the Barstool Sports Invitational in Chicago. ASU found itself behind early and couldn’t bounce back, trailing 39-18 at halftime. The Bulldogs dominated the game with a 47% shooting percentage and a 24-12 advantage on the boards. Despite ASU’s efforts to cut the deficit in the second half, they were unable to come within single digits of Mississippi State’s lead.
ASU is incorporating 10 new players this season, but it was returning players like Frankie Collins and Jamiya Neal who struggled the most, combining for just 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting. The team as a whole shot 32% for the game, with Kamari Lands leading the Sun Devils with 13 points and Bryant Selebangue grabbing six rebounds.
On the other hand, Mississippi State’s Trey Fort scored 21 points, leading his team to victory. ASU will have a chance to regroup as they return home for their next game at Desert Financial Arena against Texas Southern.
For more information on ASU basketball, check out Arizona State’s Bobby Hurley nets No. 13 men’s basketball signing class.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU Sun Devils men’s basketball routed by Mississippi St. in opener
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.
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