Freshmen Sanon and Quaintance Propel Arizona State to 68-64 Victory Over Saint Mary’s in Thrilling Acrisure Classic Showdown

Arizona State University (ASU) kicked off the holiday season on a high note, securing a memorable victory in the Acrisure Classic.

In an intense championship showdown held in Palm Springs, California, ASU triumphed over Saint Mary’s with a final score of 68-64. Freshman Joson Sanon led the charge with 19 points, while his classmate Jayden Quaintance made a crucial offensive rebound and basket with just 40 seconds remaining, sealing the win for the Sun Devils.

The closing moments were tense, but Basheer Jihad contributed a free throw, and Alston Mason added two more from the charity stripe with only two seconds left on the clock. This victory handed Saint Mary’s their first defeat this season, bringing Arizona State’s record to 7-1 as they extended their winning streak to five.

Quaintance also showcased his versatility, notching 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Adam Miller and BJ Freeman each scored 11 points, with Freeman pulling down eight boards. In contrast, Jordan Ross led Saint Mary’s with 19 points and seven rebounds.

The first half saw Ross shine, contributing 14 points to give the Gaels a 34-32 lead at halftime. The game remained closely contested, characterized by multiple lead changes and defensive stops. With just over three minutes to go, Quaintance’s three-pointer, assisted by Adam Miller, put ASU ahead 63-60.

ASU’s shooting stats included 46% from the field, although their performance beyond the perimeter was shaky at 5 of 18. Saint Mary’s shot 41.7% overall but struggled at the foul line, making only half of their attempts.

This hard-fought win marks a pivotal moment for ASU as they continue to build momentum heading into the rest of the season.