ASU Sun Devils vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Mens Basketball: Player Stats and Match Analysis for 2024-25

The Arizona State Sun Devils and Gonzaga Bulldogs delivered a thrilling mens college basketball showdown in the 2024-25 season, with their November 10, 2024, matchup at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington, ending in an 88-80 victory for No. 6-ranked Gonzaga. This provides an in-depth analysis of player statistics, key performances, and strategic insights from this game, drawing on data from ESPN, Sofascore, and Gonzaga University Athletics. Aimed at fans, analysts, and bettors, this comprehensive resource explores the matchups dynamics for ASU basketball vs Gonzaga Bulldogs mens basketball match player stats.

Historical Context of the Matchup

The Arizona State Sun Devils and Gonzaga Bulldogs have faced off infrequently, with Gonzaga holding a 4-1 record in their last five meetings since 2004, per Sports-Reference. Gonzaga’s home dominance at McCarthey Athletic Center, where they boast a 90% win rate over the past decade, makes them a formidable opponent. The November 10, 2024, game was a non-conference clash early in the 2024-25 season, pitting ASU’s up-tempo style against Gonzaga’s balanced attack. This article focuses on the player stats from this game, supplemented by season trends and historical context.

Key Matchup:Gonzaga 88, ASU 80

The November 10, 2024, game was a high-energy battle, with Gonzaga pulling away late thanks to efficient scoring and clutch plays. Below, we break down the player performances based on box scores from ESPN and Gonzaga’s official athletics website.

Gonzaga Bulldogs Player Stats

Gonzagas depth and balanced scoring overwhelmed ASU, with key contributions from starters and bench players:

• Braden Huff (Forward): Huff was the game’s standout, scoring 21 points off the bench on 9-for-12 shooting, including a 3-pointer. He added 6 rebounds and a block, earning praise for his efficiency in 24 minutes. His second-half scoring, including a dunk assisted by Ryan Nembhard, sparked Gonzaga’s decisive run.
• Ryan Nembhard (Guard): Nembhard delivered a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists, showcasing his elite playmaking. He shot 5-for-10 and grabbed 4 rebounds, orchestrating Gonzaga’s offense with precision. His late-game assists to Huff and Graham Ike sealed the victory.
• Graham Ike (Forward): Ike contributed 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting and pulled down 8 rebounds. His physicality in the paint challenged ASU’s frontcourt, though he committed 3 turnovers under defensive pressure.
• Nolan Hickman (Guard): Hickman added 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and 3 assists. His 4-for-8 shooting from the field provided a spark, though he missed a late 3-point attempt that could have extended Gonzaga’s lead.
• Khalif Battle (Guard): Battle scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, hitting one 3-pointer. His defensive intensity, including a steal, disrupted ASU’s rhythm in the third quarter.

Gonzaga shot 52% from the field (33-for-63) and 35% from three (7-for-20), while outrebounding ASU 38-32. Their 20 assists on 33 made field goals highlighted their team-oriented play, and they converted 15 of 18 free throws.

Arizona State Sun Devils Player Stats

ASU competed fiercely, led by their dynamic guards and versatile forwards:

• Jayden Quaintance (Center): Quaintance led ASU with 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including a dunk and a mid-range jumper. He added 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, showcasing his NBA-draft-prospect potential. However, he struggled at the free-throw line, going 4-for-7.
• Basheer Jihad (Forward): Jihad scored 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, hitting two 3-pointers. His 6-for-11 shooting kept ASU in the game, but he committed 2 turnovers under Gonzaga’s pressure.
• BJ Freeman (Guard): Freeman contributed 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, though his 5-for-12 shooting reflected Gonzaga’s defensive intensity. His late 3-pointer cut the deficit to 5 points, but he missed a crucial shot in the final minute.
• Adam Miller (Guard): Miller added 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and 2 assists. His 4-for-9 shooting provided a spark, but he was limited by foul trouble in the second half.
• Shawn Phillips Jr. (Center): Phillips scored 8 points off the bench and grabbed 5 rebounds, including an offensive board that led to a second-chance basket. His 2 blocks challenged Gonzaga’s interior game.

ASU shot 46% from the field (30-for-65) and 38% from three (8-for-21). They struggled with 14 turnovers, which Gonzaga converted into 16 points, and shot 12-for-18 from the free-throw line.

Game Flow and Turning Points

Gonzaga led 44-39 at halftime, driven by Huff’s 12 first-half points. ASU battled back in the third quarter, tying the game at 62 behind Quaintance’s dunk and Freeman’s 3-pointer. However, Nembhard’s playmaking and Huff’s scoring fueled a 12-4 run in the fourth quarter, giving Gonzaga an 80-70 lead. ASU’s late push, sparked by Miller’s 3-pointer, fell short as Gonzaga’s free-throw accuracy (83%) secured the 88-80 win. Gonzaga’s 12 second-chance points, fueled by 10 offensive rebounds, were pivotal.

Comparative Analysis: Historical Matchups

For context, let’s examine a prior meeting on December 20, 2019, when Gonzaga defeated ASU 95-67 in Spokane. This game highlighted Gonzaga’s historical dominance:

Gonzaga Bulldogs Highlights

• Corey Kispert: Scored 18 points, including four 3-pointers, and added 5 rebounds.
• Filip Petrusev: Recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
• Admon Gilder: Added 14 points and 3 assists off the bench.

Gonzaga shot 54% from the field and dominated the boards 42-30, per Sports-Reference. Their 22 assists and 10 steals overwhelmed ASU.

Arizona State Sun Devils Highlights

• Remy Martin: Led with 15 points and 4 assists, but shot 6-for-14.
• Romello White: Scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, but fouled out.
• Alonzo Verge Jr.: Added 10 points off the bench, but committed 3 turnovers.

ASU shot 40% from the field and turned the ball over 16 times, leading to 20 points for Gonzaga. Their defensive rebounding struggles mirrored the 2024 game.

Statistical Trends and Insights

Analyzing the 2024-25 season stats and this matchup reveals key trends:

• Gonzaga’s Offensive Efficiency: Gonzaga ranks second nationally in offensive rating (121.5), per Sports-Reference. Ryan Nembhard’s 6.8 assists per game and Braden Huff’s 60% field goal percentage drive their attack. They average 86.4 PPG, second in Division I.
• ASU’s Guard Play: Jayden Quaintance (14.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG) and BJ Freeman (13.8 PPG) lead ASU’s offense, but their 13.2 turnovers per game are a weakness. ASU’s 34% 3-point shooting keeps them competitive.
• Rebounding Battle: Gonzaga averages 38.5 rebounds per game compared to ASU’s 34.8. Graham Ike and Huff’s physicality gives Gonzaga an edge, as seen in their 10 offensive rebounds on November 10.
• Free-Throw Shooting: Gonzaga’s 78% free-throw shooting outpaces ASU’s 68%. In close games, this disparity is critical, as evidenced by Gonzaga’s 15-for-18 performance vs ASU’s 12-for-18.

Strategic Takeaways

For Gonzaga, maintaining their high assist-to-turnover ratio (1.8:1) and leveraging Huff’s bench scoring is key. Coach Mark Few’s motion offense creates open looks, but defending ASU’s perimeter shooters like Miller and Freeman requires tighter rotations. Improving defensive rebounding (allowed 8 offensive rebounds to ASU) could prevent second-chance points.

ASU must reduce turnovers and capitalize on Quaintance’s interior presence. Coach Bobby Hurley’s up-tempo offense generates 3-point opportunities, but defensive discipline against Gonzaga’s playmakers like Nembhard is crucial. Improving free-throw shooting in clutch moments will help in rematches.

Player Spotlights: Rising Stars

• Braden Huff (Gonzaga): The sophomore forward’s 21-point outburst on November 10 highlights his breakout potential. Averaging 12.5 PPG off the bench, Huff is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
• Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga): The senior guard’s 6.8 APG and clutch play make him one of the nation’s top point guards. His 11 assists against ASU underscore his importance.
• Jayden Quaintance (ASU): The freshman center’s 18 points and 7 rebounds signal his NBA upside. His 2.1 blocks per game anchor ASU’s defense.
• BJ Freeman (ASU): The junior guard’s scoring versatility (13.8 PPG) and playmaking keep ASU competitive, but efficiency (42% FG) needs improvement.

Fan and Analyst Perspectives

Posts on X highlight fan excitement, with Gonzaga supporters praising Huff’s emergence and ASU fans lauding Quaintance’s potential. Analysts on ESPN and The Athletic note Gonzaga’s depth (nine players averaging 8+ PPG) and ASU’s reliance on young talent. Both teams are projected to contend for NCAA Tournament bids, with Gonzaga a Sweet 16 favorite.

Conclusion

The ASU Sun Devils vs Gonzaga Bulldogs matchup on 4 was a showcase of elite talent and strategic basketball, with Gonzaga’s 88-80 victory driven by Braden Huff’s scoring and Ryan Nembhard’s playmaking. ASU’s Jayden Quaintance and BJ Freeman kept the game close, but turnovers and rebounding disparities proved costly. As both teams navigate the 2024-25 season, their early-season clash offers valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth.

FAQS