It was no secret who ASU's primary focus would be on defensively: University of Washington senior guard and Pac-12 leading scorer, Andrew Andrews.
"He’s got good feel, plays at a good pace and makes great reads really quick,” ASU head coach Bobby Hurley said.
ASU senior guard Gerry Blakes and sophomore guard Kodi Justice were the two tasked with keeping Andrews in check. Blakes physicality gave him the ability to body up on Andrews while Justice would take advantage of his slight reach and height.
Andrews had his way in the first half, regardless of who drew the matchup. Having a role in about every Huskie scoring play, Andrews accumulated six assists in the period to accompany his 18 points. Andrews shot 8-9 from the field in the first, his only miss coming with 5:02 left in the half.
“They’re real athletic, they play fast, he’s (Andrews) a really good guard. He runs the team.” Justice said.
In the second half, Andrews missed two of his first three shots. The Sun Devils were playing more physically against the senior than they had in the first.
With Andrews coming out slightly flat, the spotlight turned to Washington freshman guard Dejounte Murray. He followed a similar performance to his teammate’s first half, scoring 11 points off an efficient 4-4 shooting in the second.
Murray finished with 19 points and nine rebounds.
ASU head coach Bobby Hurley gave Murray's performance high praise.
“That kid is probably the best freshmen that I’ve seen this year," Hurley said.
Not to be out done by his younger counterpart, Andrews notched a double-double, dishing out 12 assists to go with his 30 points.
“To get 30 and 12, no matter who you’re playing against, that’s outstanding,” Hurley said when asked about Murray’s accomplice.
“He really knows how to play and I think he has a really good future going beyond this season,” Hurley said.
A smart, physical player with a good outside shot. Hurley isn’t the only one thinks Andrews’ game translates well in life after college ball.
With the 89-85 loss ASU now drops to 11-6 (1-4 Pac-12).
