Men’s Hoops Update: Harden is on Fire and the 76 Classic is on Deck
In our weekly Arizona State men’s hoops update, we find James Harden lighting up the scoreboard and we preview this weekend’s 76 Classic in Anaheim. We even dug up a highlight video introducing the tournament’s top players including the Sun Devil below.
(Image courtesy Slam Online)
Jeff Pendergraph’s “Super Funk”
Don’t miss our post from earlier today on Jeff Pendergraph’s self-described “super funk”—and the teammate that may be causing it.
Last Week (3-0): 80-64 W vs. Mississippi Valley State, 59-52 W at San Diego State, 61-40 W vs. Pepperdine
What Did We Learn: First off, this Arizona State team feeds off its defense. When the Sun Devils made their run in the second half against Pepperdine it was sparked by a stifling zone defense. That led to easy transition baskets. ASU forced 20 turnovers in the game for an absolutely silly average of one every two minutes.
We also learned that the scoring will have to start coming – consistently – from someone other than James Harden. No other Sun Devil averages more than 10.3 points per game. Against Pepperdine, Jeff Pendergraph was 1-for-4 from the field for five points in 29 minutes, Rihards Kuksiks had just two points after a hot start in the first two games, and Ty Abbott was held scoreless.
Star of the Week: Hmm … tough pick here … how about Harden! The sophomore is averaging 25.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. At one point in the second half of the Pepperdine win he was outscoring entire Pepperdine TEAM 28-27. Pepperdine isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but Harden absolutely stuffed the box score with career highs of 33 points and 12 rebounds. He was just 1-for-6 from beyond the arc, but 12-for-19 overall. He’s shooting 61 percent in the first three games, and it’s possible the best player in college basketball wears No. 13 for the Sun Devils.
What’s Next: The undefeated and 14th ranked Sun Devils head to the 76 Classic in Anaheim as the favorites this weekend. Charlotte is up first at 7 p.m. Thursday, with games to follow Friday and Sunday. Wake Forest, St. Mary’s and potential Game Two foe Baylor are all ranked in the top 30, and Baylor, Cal State Fullerton and St. Mary’s all made the tourney last year. It won’t be easy, but if ASU wins this thing it’s confidence – and national reputation – will get a nice boost.
Eight to Watch at the 76 Classic
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