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TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona State Sun Devils stunned No. 14 Kansas 70-60 on Tuesday night at Desert Financial Arena in a wild Big 12 contest that featured the ejection of Jayhawks head coach Bill Self and a furious Kansas comeback attempt that fell short .
Game Summary
Arizona State (16-14, 7-10 Big 12) jumped out to an early lead and never trailed, dominating the first half en route to a 40-20 advantage at the break . The Sun Devils shot just 32.2% from the field but made key plays down the stretch to secure their fourth win in the past six games .
Kansas (21-9, 11-6) mounted a furious second-half rally, cutting a 20-point deficit to just two with four minutes remaining . However, Anthony “Pig” Johnson answered with five straight points, and Massamba Diop delivered emphatic dunks to spark an 11-0 run that sealed the victory for Arizona State .
Key Performers
Bill Self’s Ejection
The game’s defining moment came with 6:07 left in the first half when Kansas coach Bill Self was ejected after receiving two technical fouls . Self erupted after an offensive foul was called on freshman star Darryn Peterson, who appeared to be impeded by Arizona State’s Bryce Ford . The Jayhawks managed just four points after Self’s ejection and shot a dismal 21.1% in the first half .
It marked just the third ejection of Self’s coaching career dating back to 1993 . Assistant Jacque Vaughn took over coaching duties, and Kansas also received a technical foul late in the half .
Emotional Context
The victory carried extra significance for Arizona State, as it came in what could be coach Bobby Hurley’s final home game. Hurley is in the final year of his contract with no indication of an extension amid four mediocre seasons in the past five years . The Sun Devils honored seniors Moe Odum, Anthony Johnson, and Allen Mukeba before the game .
Arizona State fans stormed the court after the final buzzer, celebrating the program’s 15th win over a ranked opponent in Hurley’s 11 seasons .
What’s Next
- Kansas: Hosts Kansas State on Saturday in the Sunflower Showdown
- Arizona State: Travels to face No. 6 Iowa State on Saturday
