It took a while, but Arizona State closed the nonconference season on a high note on Monday.
For as challenging as the nonconference schedule has been for the Arizona State Sun Devils, it was only fitting that it would conclude with a test against a feisty mid-major opponent.
The CSU-Bakersfield Roadrunners gave Bobby Hurley's team all it could handle on Monday night, but Arizona State (10-3) used a 14-4 run to close out an important 75-59 victory.
It was clear from the outset Cal State Bakersfield (8-4) were ready to put up a fight.