Statistically, sophomore guard Tra Holder's week was inconsistent.
He scored 20 total points, shooting below 30 percent from the field. On Thursday he had eight assists to go with six rebounds, but on Saturday, he only had two of each.
Despite this, he had a colossal impact defensively in ASU's second conference win of the season.
Coming into the week, Oregon State guard Gary Payton II averaged 17.5 points per game, second-best in the Pac-12. He had led OSU to a 12-6 (3-4 Pac-12) record, and the Beavers were hoping to take advantage of the one-win Sun Devils.
With Holder spending a majority of the time defending Payton, the OSU guard was scoreless in the first half and finished the game with two points on 1-7 shooting.
Additionally, senior guard Gerry Blakes was able to focus more on offense, allowing him to score 16 points.
ASU won for the second time in conference play.
"I'm excited for Tra," head coach Bobby Hurley said. "He accepted the challenge and that's where his focus was. He knew that he had a responsibility to guard arguably the best player in the league right now and a veteran guy and he did a great job."
The next game, against Oregon, was not as spectacular for the Sun Devils. They played a very poor second half, allowing a one-point halftime deficit to turn into a 91-74 loss.
However, Holder played well defensively once again. He spent most of his time guarding Casey Benson, who only got off four shots and scored six points total.
ASU lost, but Holder showcased improving and underrated defensive skills to go along with his offensive presence that's been growing as he evolves into a strong college player.
Related Links:
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State Press Player of the Week: Desirae Krawczyk
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