ASU Basketball: Guards do heavy lifting in Sun Devils’ 99-78 win over towering UC Irvine

The Arizona State Sun Devils were handed their first true test against San Diego State two games ago. They paraded to a 22-point win. On Saturday, they got their first taste at a zone defense with a towering lineup. Sunday’s result was a 21-point win over UC Irvine, 99-78.

However, it wasn’t without a challenge.

The Sun Devils were outrebounded, 34-28, as the Anteaters rotated five players in and out of at least 6-8, including 2016-17 defensive player of the year 6-10 Justin Galloway. Their height hindered the Arizona State’s abilities in the post, as ASU’s three big men scored just 18 of their 99 points.

“Every time someone lines up in zone or plays zone against us we kind of take that a…