Washington State basketball leads Arizona State by 6 at halftime, but wait until you see this wild second half twist

Washington State basketball leads Arizona State 40-34 at halftime in Tuesday’s Maui Invitational semifinal matchup. The Cougars mounted an impressive offensive effort against the Sun Devils at Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii. This marks a crucial early-season test for both programs seeking championship glory.

Cougars Strike Early Against Sun Devils

Washington State came out firing on all cylinders in the opening half against Arizona State. The Cougars built their 40-34 halftime lead through strong ball movement and disciplined offensive execution. This represents a significant advantage heading into the second-half adjustments both coaches will deploy.

True freshman Ace Glass has been a revelation for David Riley‘s squad. Glass scored a career-high 26 points in their quarterfinal victory over Chaminade just one day prior. His scoring punch continues to energize the Cougar offense as they chase tournament advancement.

ND Okafor, the returning junior power forward, delivers elite floor percentage with a team-best 63.9% shooting from the field this season. Okafor posted a career-high 27 points and 8 rebounds against Southern Utah, going 12-of-14 from the floor—the best shooting percentage by a Cougar with that many attempts since at least 1996.

Arizona State Seeking First Championship Since 1994

Arizona State is chasing a first Maui Invitational title since 1994—marking their first championship tournament appearance in more than three decades. The Sun Devils advanced through their bracket with impressive victories including a dramatic 87-86 win over Texas on a game-winning three-pointer by Moe Odum.

The Sun Devils boast one of the tournament’s most talented rosters with their 5-1 record showcasing Big 12 Conference strength. Coach Bobby Hurley‘s squad will need to make second-half adjustments to combat Washington State’s high-efficiency offense and stellar free throw shooting.

Maurice Odum has been Arizona State’s emotional leader, posting 15 points against Texas and leading the Sun Devils charge through the tournament. His game-winning three against the Longhorns exemplifies the clutch performances Arizona State will need down the stretch.

Washington State’s Bench and Free Throw Firepower

Team Statistic	Performance
WSU Free Throw Percentage	76.8% (top 50 nationally)
Bench Scoring Output	67 points vs Chaminade (season high)
Second Chance Points	13.7 ppg (nearly double opponents)
Game Location and Capacity	Lahaina Civic Center (2,400 capacity)

The Cougars have built their early-season identity around deep benches that outscore opponents regularly. In their 90-85 quarterfinal win over Chaminade, the WSU bench scored 67 points—a season-high total. This bench production advantage provides crucial rest for star players like Glass and Okafor while maintaining scoring pressure.

Washington State shoots 76.8% from the free throw line this season, ranking in the top 50 nationally. The Cougars are getting to the charity stripe at exceptional rates, averaging 16 free throws per game on 20.8 attempts. This disciplines free throw shooting will be critical in tight tournament moments.

Rihards Vavers Provides Shooting Backcourt Support

Sophomore Rihards Vavers shot the lights out against Chaminade, scoring a career-high 25 points on seven made three-pointers. The Finnish-Icelandic connection on the Cougar roster—including Tomas Thrastarson—brings international flair and shooting prowess. Vavers’ 7-of-7 three-point shooting display showcased the offensive firepower this team possesses from beyond the arc.

Adria Rodriguez, an incoming senior transfer from Spanish club Alicante, has demonstrated floor general excellence with creative passing and steals. The Catalonia native dished out a career-high six assists in the Chaminade victory while grabbing six rebounds—showcasing all-around impact basketball that extends beyond scoring.

Coach David Riley has built a balanced offensive attack that doesn’t rely solely on one player. This balanced scoring approach proved crucial against Chaminade and will be essential when facing Arizona State’s stronger defensive pressure in the semifinal matchup.

What Will Determine Which Team Cuts Down the Nets?

Washington State has statistical advantages in bench scoring, free throw shooting, and second-chance points—three areas that typically determine tournament success. If the Cougars can maintain their 40-34 halftime lead and prevent Arizona State from penetrating the paint, they’ll advance to challenge either Seton Hall or USC for the Maui Invitational Championship.

For Arizona State, containing Ace Glass will be paramount—the dynamic freshman has become almost unstoppable in tournament play. The Sun Devils must also limit the Cougar bench’s scoring opportunity while getting Open looks on three-pointers to stay competitive given their 5-1 record suggesting strong all-around execution.

The second half beginning shortly will determine if Washington State can hold their 6-point halftime advantage or if Arizona State mounts a comeback similar to their thrilling 87-86 victory over Texas. This Maui Invitational semifinal represents a massive moment for both programs seeking an impressive early-season tournament crown.

Sources

• ESPN – Live game coverage and box score updates for Washington State vs Arizona State.
• Washington State Cougars Official Athletics – Pre-game analysis and player statistics from tournament advance.
• NCAA Official – Maui Invitational bracket, schedule, and tournament information.