Last-Second Heave Gives Arizona State Upset Victory Over Arizona
Photo by Zachary BonDurant / USA TODAY Sports
Tucson, Arizona (PSF) - This past weekend featured quite a few buzzer-beaters across college basketball. For the Arizona State Sun Devils, a beyond half-court prayer to keep their at-large NCAA Tournament hopes alive was the most important buzzer-beater, but also the most impressive. The incredible shot gave the Sun Devils an 89-88 win over their rivals and the seventh ranked Arizona Wildcats.
The Wildcats were 13-point home favorites, but Arizona State kept the game close throughout. It was a game Arizona State really needed to boost their resume in hopes of making the NCAA Tournament. Arizona State took a lead late only for Arizona to take it right back with 29 seconds left.
Down one point after a miss on the offensive end, the Sun Devils had to foul. Oumar Ballo would miss the first free throw for the Wildcats, but make the second, making it a two point lead with just 2.9 seconds remaining. Desmond Cambridge Jr. caught the inbounds pass, took one dribble, and threw up a shot over the Arizona defense from beyond half-court that swished straight through the net.
The miraculous shot for Cambridge gave him 19 points for the game to lead Arizona State’s balanced scoring attack, along with four rebounds and four assists. DJ Horne added 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists, while Warren Washington provided 16 points and three rebounds.
Arizona also had a well-rounded scoring effort in the heartbreaking loss on senior night. Cedric Henderson Jr. led the way with 19 points, Azuolas Tubelis finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, and Pelle Larsson added 16 points and six rebounds.
Arizona State has another huge opportunity in their next game which will be Thursday on the road versus the number four ranked UCLA Bruins. It certainly won’t be easy, but if the Sun Devils could pull out another win over a top 10 team, it would be hard to keep them out of the NCAA Tournament.
As for Arizona, they will look to put this loss behind them as they travel to play the USC Trojans also on Thursday. USC is firmly on the bubble as of now and could really use a win over Arizona to add to their resume. Arizona will likely receive either a two seed or a three seed come Selection Sunday depending on how they finish out.
