{"id":18369,"date":"2025-11-25T22:02:30","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T02:02:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/washington-state-basketball-leads-arizona-state-by-6-at-halftime-but-wait-until-you-see-this-wild-second-half-twist\/"},"modified":"2025-11-25T22:03:05","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T02:03:05","slug":"75445-washington-state-basketball-leads-arizona-state-40-34-at-halftime-in-maui-invita","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/75445-washington-state-basketball-leads-arizona-state-40-34-at-halftime-in-maui-invita\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington State basketball leads Arizona State by 6 at halftime, but wait until you see this wild second half twist"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Washington State’s 3-3 record<\/b> puts them in a must-win scenario in the tournament.<\/li>\n
  • Ace Glass<\/b> has been lighting it up with 14.3 ppg<\/b> average for the Cougars this season.<\/li>\n
  • Arizona State enters the semifinal with a strong 5-1 record<\/b> heading into the matchup.<\/li>\n
  • The teams are meeting for the first time since the Pac-12 Conference dissolved<\/b> after the 2023-24 season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Cougars Strike Early Against Sun Devils<\/h2>\n

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

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

    ND Okafor<\/b>, the returning junior power forward, delivers elite floor percentage with a team-best 63.9% shooting<\/b> from the field this season. Okafor posted a career-high 27 points<\/b> and 8 rebounds<\/b> against Southern Utah<\/b>, going 12-of-14<\/b> from the floor\u2014the best shooting percentage by a Cougar with that many attempts since at least 1996<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Arizona State Seeking First Championship Since 1994<\/h2>\n

    Arizona State<\/b> is chasing a first Maui Invitational title<\/b> since 1994<\/b>\u2014marking their first championship tournament appearance in more than three decades. The Sun Devils<\/b> advanced through their bracket with impressive victories including a dramatic 87-86 win<\/b> over Texas<\/b> on a game-winning three-pointer by Moe Odum<\/b>.<\/p>\n

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

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

    Washington State’s Bench and Free Throw Firepower<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Team Statistic<\/td>\nPerformance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    WSU Free Throw Percentage<\/td>\n76.8% (top 50 nationally)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Bench Scoring Output<\/td>\n67 points vs Chaminade (season high)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Second Chance Points<\/td>\n13.7 ppg (nearly double opponents)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Game Location and Capacity<\/td>\nLahaina Civic Center (2,400 capacity)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    The Cougars<\/b> have built their early-season identity around deep benches that outscore opponents regularly. In their 90-85 quarterfinal win<\/b> over Chaminade<\/b>, the WSU bench scored 67 points<\/b>\u2014a season-high total. This bench production advantage provides crucial rest for star players like Glass<\/b> and Okafor<\/b> while maintaining scoring pressure.<\/p>\n

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

    Rihards Vavers Provides Shooting Backcourt Support<\/h2>\n

    Sophomore Rihards Vavers<\/b> shot the lights out against Chaminade<\/b>, scoring a career-high 25 points<\/b> on seven made three-pointers<\/b>. The Finnish-Icelandic connection<\/b> on the Cougar roster<\/b>\u2014including Tomas Thrastarson<\/b>\u2014brings international flair and shooting prowess. Vavers’ 7-of-7 three-point shooting display<\/b> showcased the offensive firepower this team possesses from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n

    Adria Rodriguez<\/b>, an incoming senior transfer from Spanish club Alicante<\/b>, has demonstrated floor general excellence with creative passing and steals. The Catalonia native<\/b> dished out a career-high six assists<\/b> in the Chaminade victory<\/b> while grabbing six rebounds<\/b>\u2014showcasing all-around impact basketball that extends beyond scoring.<\/p>\n

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

    What Will Determine Which Team Cuts Down the Nets?<\/h2>\n

    Washington State<\/b> has statistical advantages in bench scoring, free throw shooting, and second-chance points\u2014three areas that typically determine tournament success. If the Cougars<\/b> can maintain their 40-34 halftime lead<\/b> and prevent Arizona State<\/b> from penetrating the paint, they’ll advance to challenge either Seton Hall<\/b> or USC<\/b> for the Maui Invitational Championship<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    For Arizona State<\/b>, containing Ace Glass<\/b> will be paramount\u2014the dynamic freshman has become almost unstoppable in tournament play. The Sun Devils<\/b> must also limit the Cougar bench’s<\/b> scoring opportunity while getting Open looks on three-pointers<\/b> to stay competitive given their 5-1 record<\/b> suggesting strong all-around execution.<\/p>\n

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

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    Watch: WSU Maui Invitational Highlights<\/h3>\n