TEMPE – Arizona State coach Randy Bennett didn’t build up his reputation with flashy offenses. Glitz and glam don’t get you far in a city like Moraga and at a mid-major program like Saint Mary’s.
Instead, it’s been his imposing defenses that have stifled opponents and yielded him success throughout his 26-year head coaching career.
So while ASU showcased its offensive prowess at times throughout its first few contests of the season, it had come as a bit of a surprise that the Sun Devils had experienced some lapses on the defensive end.
However, on Friday, the lapses were less frequent, netting a nearly flawless defensive performance – one that saw the Sun Devils hold their opponent to just 22 points in the first half.
Its defense propelled Arizona State (4-0) to a 92-62 victory over ULM (1-4) on Friday night at Desert Financial Arena.
“We were good on D,” Bennett said. “Until the last eight to 10 minutes, but we were good. Our defensive numbers were good.”
Spurred on by their defense, the Sun Devils built a comfortable early lead. ASU went on a 15-2 run at the midway point in the first half, in which it held the Warhawks scoreless across a nearly five-minute stretch.
The Sun Devils limited ULM to just under 31% shooting from the field in the first 20 minutes of play.
Defensive buy-in isn’t limited to rotational pieces on a Bennett squad.
It took a collective effort from the Maroon and Gold to hold ULM to 62 points. In one sequence, ASU center Ben Defty soared into the air, meeting Lance Carr at the rim with his big right paw to send the ULM forward’s dunk attempt flying back the other way. It stood as one of five blocks on the night for the Sun Devils.
However, on another, star forward Paulius Murauskas used quick hands to pick the pocket of a Warhawks guard, leading to transition offense the other way – ASU scored 25 points off of 14 ULM turnovers.
It took everyone, including Murauskas, who once again dazzled on the offensive end, posting a 31-point double-double, to lock down the Warhawks.
Sophomore point guard Joel Foxwell, one of ASU’s other key contributors on offense, might not boast the biggest frame, standing at 6 feet, 1 in. tall, but he’s also shown a willingness to defend.
It’s a non-negotiable when playing for Bennett – even for the team’s top scorers.
“I feel like I’ve had a lot of growth in that area, especially from last year,” Foxwell said. “That’s why he’s been so successful is because he’s had a really good defensive team every year. … There are no shortcuts.”
A major point of emphasis for ASU heading into Friday night? 3-point defense.
When UL-Monroe forward Ziyade Ndancky drilled a shot from beyond the arc on the Warhawks’ first offensive possession, Arizona State seemed destined to be on the receiving end of another 3-point barrage.
After all, ASU entered the night allowing 7.7 3-pointers per game – 173rd among NCAA Division I teams. Even worse? The clip at which teams were shooting from beyond the arc. The Sun Devils had allowed their opponents to shoot about 41% from three entering the contest.
Yet, instead of a precursor to the game to come, the triple marked the last for ULM until the second half and one of just six 3-pointers on the night.
It was a reassuring sign for the Sun Devils, who have focused on improving their defense from beyond the arc.
And more defensive reinforcements are on the way for Arizona State. After the win, Bennett alluded to a possible return to the lineup for senior forward Emmanuel Innocenti (ankle) by next week. He also expects senior forward Jonathan Griman (back) to return soon.
When paired with sophomore wing Dillan Shaw, Innocenti should help fortify ASU’s defense, providing some length to help the Sun Devils on the perimeter.
“It’s been a point of emphasis,” Bennett said of ASU’s 3-point defense. “It’s starting to improve. I think Emmanuel helps that too. Dillan locks down guys. He does a good job on that, but I need to get him some rest. Emmanuel can really lock down guys.”
Innocenti will possibly have a chance to see the floor on Wednesday, when the Sun Devils host Oakland at 7 p.m. MST, before hitting the road to compete at the Acrisure Series in Palm Springs.
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