Richmond edged Sun Devils
The Sun Devils (3-4) lost a close decision to the Richmond Spiders 67-61 Sunday at Wells Fargo Arena. Senior Rihards Kuksiks and freshman Kyle Cain both put up 14 points but it was not enough as they lost their fourth game of the season.
The Spiders held ASU's leading scorer Trent Lockett to 12 points and 10 rebounds. As a team, the Sun Devils shot 35 percent (19 of 55) from the field and 33 percent from three (7 of 21).
With just under three minutes in the game, the Spiders increased their lead to six points. Missed shots and turnovers plagued the Sun Devils and they were unable to fight back.
With a slow start, the Sun Devils found themselves trailing for much of the first half but were able to bring the deficit within three. The Spiders led 31-28 at the half. ASU tied the game at the beginning of the second half and the teams alternated the lead until late in the game.
The Spiders were led by forward Justin Harper who put up 23 points and seven rebounds. Richmond shot 49 percent (25 of 51) and 44 percent (7-16) from behind the arc.
"From our standpoint, we didn't capitalize on some opportunities to put the ball in the basket", commented coach Herb Sendek. "We're a team right now that doesn't play with a wide margin for error and we have to capitalize at a higher rate than we did today in terms of making plays and converting opportunities that we had."
Arizona State plays their third home game of the season as they take on Gardner-Webb on Saturday, December 11 at 12 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.