A loss like Arizona State’s to Nevada isn’t an easy pill to swallow. Thus, during postgame handshakes, several Sun Devils sulked their arms to their sides, knowing a golden opportunity had slipped away.
ASU spent the first half dominating the Wolf Pack, building a 12-point lead through 10 forced turnovers and a rebounding margin of +11. But inexperience against a roster seven seniors deep triumphed, as foul trouble and poor shooting handed the Sun Devils their first loss.
Two nights earlier, Washington encountered a similar scenario against first-ranked Gonzaga. Except at halftime, the Huskies trailed by 10, having to climb out of “The Kennel” and its suffocating atmosphere.