TEMPE, Ariz. – On the strength of double-doubles from Michael Humphrey and Reid Travis Stanford took control over Arizona State for most of the second half, surging out to nine-point lead at one point. However, a late barrage of three-pointers by the Sun Devils allowed ASU to storm back and pull ahead in the final minute. ASU's Torian Graham posted two of his six three-pointers in the final 1:16 to lead the Sun Devils to 75-69 come-from-behind win.
A Robert Cartwright jumper put the Cardinal (12-13, 4-9 Pac-12) up three with 51 seconds left. ASU responded with a pair of Kodi Justice free throws and used a Stanford turnover to re-gain possession. Graham connected again from downtown to give ASU a 71-69 lead with 21 seconds left. Another Cardinal turnover and a pair of missed shots over the final stretch allowed ASU to escape with a seven-point win.
"I thought we did some nice things in the second half to build up the lead, but they have a lot of offensive firepower," Stanford coach Jerod Haase said. "That showed in the second half, making some tough 3s down the stretch. At no point do I think our guys became comfortable or complacent. Some good players made some big-time plays."
The defeat spoiled standout performances from Humphrey, Travis and senior Marcus Allen. Humphrey, a Phoenix native playing in front of more than 40 friends and family at Wells Fargo Arena, finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Travis posted his eighth double-double of the year with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Allen fell two points short of his career-high with a season-best 20 points and seven rebounds for the Cardinal Saturday night.
Graham scored 24 points for the Sun Devils (12-14, 5-8 Pac-12). Tra Holder added 16 points.
"With his elevation, I know he can always create his own shot," Hurley said about Graham. "He told me in the second half that he wanted the ball coming his way. He had it going and he knew it and he delivered."
Stanford dominated the game inside, outrebounding the Sun Devils 49-27, 22-6 on the offense boards for an 18-7 advantage in second-chance points.
Stanford returns home, where the Cardinal will host California on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. PT at Maples Pavilion.
