The energy inside the Staples Center was flat. It was after all, a college basketball game that tipped at 12 a.m. Eastern time between two West Coast teams.
However, the No. 20 Arizona State Sun Devils (7-1) came out pounding the accelerator in the late-night matchup. They punched the No. 6 Nevada Wolfpack (9-0) first, forced them into turnovers, and looked like they were truly among the nation’s best.
Holding a 12-point halftime lead, the Sun Devils appeared in good shape to pull the upset.
It wasn’t meant to be.
Nevada used a second half surge to remain unbeaten and win 72-66 in Los Angeles.