Imagine the drama of a basketball game where a team claws back from the brink of defeat, turning what seemed like a crushing loss into an exhilarating victory— that's exactly what unfolded when Arizona State rallied from a 19-point deficit to edge out Santa Clara 82-79 in an electrifying showdown at the Jack Jones Classic in Las Vegas on December 13, 2025. And here's where it gets controversial: Was this comeback a testament to unbreakable team spirit, or did Santa Clara's inexplicable scoring drought gift the Sun Devils the win? Let's dive into the details and see what really happened on the court, including the plays that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The hero of the day for Arizona State was Massamba Diop, who poured in 15 points by making 6 out of 10 shots and hauling in nine rebounds, anchoring the Sun Devils' (9-2) defense and offense. Teammate Anthony Johnson matched that scoring output with his own 15 points, hitting 3 of 5 from the field—including a crucial three-pointer—and draining 8 of 9 free throws, showcasing pinpoint accuracy under pressure. But here's the part most people miss: These stars were backed by a supporting cast that really made the difference. Andrija Grbovic lit it up from beyond the arc with three three-pointers en route to 13 points, while Maurice Odum added versatility with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four steals—think of him as the glue guy who disrupted plays and kept the energy high for ASU.
On the other side, Santa Clara (8-3) had their own standout performers, led by Christian Hammond's explosive 22 points, fueled by four drained three-pointers. Elijah Mahi chipped in with 17 points and six rebounds, proving to be a reliable force in the paint. Coming off the bench, Sash Gavalyugov contributed 12 points, and Bukky Oboye added 10 before unfortunately fouling out—highlighting how bench depth can swing momentum in college hoops.
The game took a wild turn early in the second half. Hammond's hot hand extended into the final minute of the first half, where he nailed a three-pointer and capitalized on a technical foul—a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, like arguing with officials—against Arizona State's coach Bobby Hurley. That foul turned into two free throws and a layup for Hammond, ballooning Santa Clara's lead to 55-38 at halftime. For beginners wondering about technical fouls, they're like bonus points awarded to the other team, often due to a coach's heated reaction, which can really shift the game's flow and spark debate on whether it's fair or just part of the game's intensity.
Santa Clara pushed their advantage even further, reaching a peak lead of 60-41 less than two minutes into the second half, and holding a commanding 15-point edge with 15 minutes left. But then came the twist: The Broncos went ice-cold, scoring nothing for nearly seven minutes—a drought that can happen in basketball when defenses tighten up or fatigue sets in, leaving teams struggling to find rhythm. Arizona State capitalized with a blistering 14-0 run to close the gap, only for Oboye to snap the streak. Marcus Adams Jr. responded with a timely three-pointer, knotting the score at 66-all with 8:16 remaining, keeping the tension sky-high.
The tide fully turned when Diop slammed home a dunk after converting two free throws off a Santa Clara turnover, giving ASU their first lead. From there, the Sun Devils held on through the final 7:40, securing the win. This comeback mirrors classic underdog stories in sports, like a team digging deep into reserves of resilience to overturn the odds—reminding us why college basketball is so unpredictable and thrilling.
Looking ahead, Arizona State faces a tough test at No. 25 UCLA on Wednesday, while Santa Clara hosts North Texas the same day. These matchups could reveal more about each team's true potential.
Now, for the controversial angle: Do you think Santa Clara's scoring blackout was just a slump, or did Arizona State's pressure expose weaknesses in their game plan? And regarding the coach's technical foul, was it a rallying cry for ASU or an unnecessary penalty that cost the Broncos? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the calls, or see it differently? Also, for poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season, sign up here: https://www.apnews.com/newsletters. Dive deeper into AP college basketball coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball.
