Saint Mary’s Basketball: 2019-20 keys to matchup against Arizona State

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Jordan Ford #3 and Tanner Krebs #0 of the Saint Mary's Gaels react after being defeated by the Villanova Wildcats during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. Villanova defeated Saint Mary's 61-57. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 11: Jordan Ford #3 of the Saint Mary’s Gaels (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

1. Saint Mary’s needs to control the tempo

Arizona State likes the up-tempo game led by 6’0 junior point guard, Remy Martin. The Sun Devils have a Kenpom adjusted tempo rate that is ranked #34 in the country. Meanwhile, the Gaels’ adjusted tempo rate is ranked #333.

The St. Mary’s veteran guards of 6’1 senior Jordan Ford (20.4 ppg) and 6’2 redshirt junior Tommy Kuhse 4.9 ppg) will need to resist Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley’s team trying to push the pace. Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett would rather see the number of possessions in the game closer to 65, while Hurley’s goal will be more in the ’80s.

By slowing the game down, the Gaels will be able to move the ball in their set offense to find the open three-pointer. Saint Mary’s is leading the nation at 43.8% beyond the arc because they find good open shots. This, and because they take care of the ball, leads to an offensive efficiency that is ranked #10 in the country.

The Sun Devils are in the top third of offensive efficiency, but Arizona State relies more on transition basketball and Martin finding the open man. Martin and fellow guard, 6’2 freshman Jaelen House, are averaging 2.3 and 2.2 steals, respectively, that are often turned into opportunities going the other direction.