Winning at ASU (18-8, 9-5) isn’t an easy task. Winning there without leading scorer and do-everything forward KZ Okpala is even tougher. Stanford (14-12, 7-7) put up a fight, but ultimately couldn’t get over the hump.
The Cardinal got off to a fair start, taking the lead on a number of occasions in the first half. Though they were mired in turnovers, they were getting good looks at the basket. Josh Sharma, reigning Conference Player of the Week, was beating up on the Devils’ bigs, scoring 10 points on 4-4 shooting before picking up his second personal.
Arizona State made a strong finish to the half with Sharma on the bench.