Arizona State Basketball: Lessons for Sun Devils after losing to Villanova

Talented enough to dictate the pace

In their76-67 victory over Boston College the night before, the Wildcats kept the pace of play to under 65 possessions, which was aided by the Eagles zone defense and lack of on-ball pressure. Versus Rhode Island, the Sun Devils won 94-88 with a pace of play of almost 83 possessions per 40 minutes. The one thing in common, both teams put up 60 shots in their respective victories.

The two teams were able to maintain the number of shots that made them successful in the previous game. Villanova went 28 for 58, while Arizona State connected on 26 of 60 field goals, whereas they connected on 27 of 60 versus Rhode Island. The Sun Devils were able to put themselves in a position to win two days in a row against two very different teams.

With extended minutes comes fatigue and with fatigue comes mistakes and it is the mental mistakes that will lead to turnovers on offense that will negate the turnovers they create on defense through hard work. Arizona State won the turnover battle forcing Villanova into 11 turnovers and only committing nine themselves.