Davidson Wildcats at Arizona State Sun Devils

Davidson stuns Arizona State 68-60

The Wildcats (3-1) were patient throughout and moved the ball around until they found the open man. Gibbs, who also had four assists and two steals, was often that man as he consistently got past the Sun Devil guards for uncontested layups. But Gibbs greatest contribution came at the free throw line where he converted 16 of 21 attempts, including two key free throws with 28.5 seconds remaining to stretch the lead back out to six points. The Sun Devils attempted just 13 free throws as a team.

"If we are playing one-on-one they might beat us but if we are playing five-on-five I think that was the team thing where we are trying to get better as a team," said Gibbs, whose team had 15 assists off 19 field goals for the game. "We made some steps today."

In addition to Gibbs and Aldridge, the Wildcats also got double-digit production from Will Magarity (10).

Guard Tra Holder led ASU with 18 points before fouling out with 1:45 remaining and his team trailing 62-52. Shannon Evans II also finished with 13 points and seven assists for ASU (3-2).

But the Sun Devils, who shot 29 percent from the field in the first half and 32 percent for the game, were hurt by the missed shots of key players like Torian Graham (1 for 12 from the field) and Obinna Oleka (5 for 16).

"I thought we played as poor of an offensive half as I think we will maybe play all season," said ASU coach Bobby Hurley, whose team pulled within four points late after trailing by as many as 18 in the second half. "We are way more capable and better as an offensive team than we showed in the first half. We didn't make shots."

Davidson, an Atlantic 10 school, went 2-1 against Power 5 opponents in this week's tournament. The Wildcats defeated both Missouri and Arizona State convincingly after losing to Clemson in the opening round.

"Two very good wins against two very well-coached and very talented teams," said Davidson coach Bob McKillop. "To be able to head back to Davidson with two wins against Power 5 teams under our belts is a great statement about us."

BIG PICTURE

Davidson: The Wildcats proved themselves as a quality team that can play with the big schools. McKillop's team beats opponents by being patient, making the extra pass to find the open man. It worked well in wins over Missouri and Arizona State in this tournament. Davidson, however, must take better care of the ball. The Wildcats committed 18 turnovers against ASU.

Arizona St: This tournament has to be considered a letdown for the Sun Devils, who suffered double-digit losses to non-Power 5 opponents Northern Iowa and Davidson. Their lone victory in the tournament came against Tulane in a loser bracket game. Holder is the Sun Devils leader but he has to play under control and take better shots.

NO CHARITY

There was a huge disparity in free throws for the game with Davidson going 23-30 at from the line, while the Sun Devils had just 13 free throw opportunities and converted seven.

"The free throw line killed us today," Hurley said. "Our inability to get to the free throw line and their ability to get to the line was surprising considering they are a 3-point shooting team."

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Gibbs, who was on fire for much of the tournament, tied a Tire Pros Invitational record with 71 points over the three days.

UP NEXT

Davidson: The Wildcats face Charlotte at home on Saturday.

Arizona St: The Sun Devils return home to face Citadel on Wednesday.

How can I watch Davidson vs. Arizona State?

• TV Channel: Davidson at Arizona State 2021 College Basketball, week 2, is broadcasted on ESPNU.
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