Sun Devils Cruise Past Cincinnati 82-68
Moe Odum Goes Off as Sun Devils Torch Cincinnati 82-68
Valley basketball fans, we finally have something to celebrate. Arizona State snapped a frustrating three-game losing streak Saturday night at Desert Financial Arena, blowing past the Cincinnati Bearcats 82-68 behind a jaw-dropping performance from Moe Odum.
And when I say jaw-dropping, I mean the guy absolutely couldn't miss.
Odum poured in 33 points while dishing out eight assists and snagging three steals. He was scorching hot from beyond the arc, drilling six three-pointers and giving the Tempe faithful exactly what they needed after tough losses to Arizona, Houston, and West Virginia.
The first half was a nail-biter with 11 lead changes keeping everyone on edge. Cincinnati shot an impressive 58 percent before halftime, but Odum's 17 first-half points helped the Sun Devils cling to a 37-33 advantage heading into the break.
The second half belonged to ASU. Andrija Grbovic knocked down a clutch three to cap a 10-2 run, pushing the lead to 59-48. When Cincinnati made a late push and trimmed the deficit to three, Odum responded with back-to-back deep bombs that essentially sealed the deal.
The Sun Devils closed the game on a crushing 16-5 run over the final five minutes while Cincinnati went ice cold, shooting just 1-of-10 down the stretch.
ASU shot a blistering 46 percent from three-point land, burying 13 shots from deep. Baba Miller led the Bearcats with 23 points, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome Odum's masterpiece.
Bobby Hurley's squad improves to 11-9 overall and 2-5 in Big 12 play. The Sun Devils hit the road Tuesday to face UCF before returning home for a rematch against the rival Wildcats on January 31.
Sources: ESPN | Sports Illustrated | Cincinnati Athletics | Fox Sports