DATE & TIME: Tuesday, November 20, 9 p.m. (et)
FACTS & STATS: Site: Wells Fargo Arena (16,110) -- Tempe, Arizona. Television: None. Home Record: Cornell 1-2, Arizona State 2-2. Away Record: Cornell 0-1, Arizona State 0-0. Neutral Record: Cornell 0-0, Arizona State 0-0. Conference Record: Cornell 0-0, Arizona State 0-0. Series Record: First- ever meeting.
GAME NOTES: The Arizona State Sun Devils look to continue their early season success as they play host to the Cornell Big Red as part of the Las Vegas Invitational from the Wells Fargo Arena.
Cornell opened its season with a win, but since then has lost its last three games, including a 68-64 loss to Saint Peter's last time out. Despite having four players score in double figures, the Big Red's late surge was not enough to overcome their deficit. Devin Cherry led the team with 14 points and seven rebounds. The team shot only 36.2 percent from the field, continuing its struggles at the offensive end.
Arizona State has looked impressive in its first two games, coming into this matchup 2-0 after a 97-70 demolition of Florida A&M last time out. Jahii Carson led the team with 20 points and seven assists, while the Sun Devils collectively shot 55 percent from the field. Following this subregional, the Las Vegas Invitational will move to Sin City, with ASU slated to take on Arkansas on Friday.
This will be the first-ever matchup between these teams.
The Big Red opened up their season with a 63-55 win over Western Michigan, but since then have dropped three straight to St. Bonaventure (72-68), Saint Peter's (68-64), and Wisconsin (73-40). Cherry is the only Cornell player to average in double figures with 10.3 ppg, as the team has only averaged a mere 58.8 ppg. With only two players having started all four games in Shonn Miller (7.5 ppg) and Johnathan Gary (5.0 ppg), it is obvious that this team is still trying to figure itself out. The Big Red need to find an answer fast, as the team's 35.5 percent shooting from the field and 28.9 percent from 3-point range will be a hindrance all season long.
The Sun Devils are off to a great start this season after a 6-22 disaster a year ago. The team has averaged an eye-popping 88.0 ppg after their first two wins over Central Arkansas (79-64) and Florida A&M. Carson has averaged 17.5 ppg and 6.0 apg leading six ASU players in double-figure scoring. Jordan Bachynski (15.5 ppg and 10.0 rpg) and John Gilling (12.0 ppg and 10.5 rpg) have each averaged double-doubles early this season and have been dominant down low. Chris Colvin (13.0 ppg), Evan Gordon (11.0 ppg) and Carrick Felix (10.0 ppg) round out the top scoring threats. The Sun Devil have forced their opposition into 18 turnovers per game and held them to 35 percent shooting from the field. Arizona State has gotten itself and could make some noise in the Pac-12 this year.
The Sun Devils have been hot, while Cornell has not. ASU should continue to put up big numbers in this matchup en route to another victory.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Arizona State 81, Cornell 63
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