Murauskas leads Arizona State past East Tennessee State in Bennett debut

Arizona State began its season under Randy Bennett by defeating East Tennessee State 75-65 on November 2, though the Sun Devils had to withstand a late push to secure the season-opening victory. The Buccaneers led for just 63 seconds, but cut the margin to five points several times in the second half.

Murauskas paced Arizona State with 21 points and nine rebounds, making 11 of 12 free throws. Joel Foxwell scored 15, Dillan Shaw added 13 and reserve Filip Malesevic had 11. BJ Ward led East Tennessee State with 25 points; Trevor Hennig scored 15 and Jayden Cooper had 10.

JRob Croy’s three-pointer put Arizona State ahead 55-42 with 12:36 remaining. East Tennessee State answered with an 8-0 run to make it 55-50, but did not get closer than five for the rest of the game.

Bennett said his new team showed composure but needed to improve its defense and rebounding. Arizona State narrowly won the rebounding battle, 34-31, and struggled from three-point range. Murauskas and Shaw combined to make two of 11 attempts from beyond the arc.

The game also brought an injury concern for the Sun Devils: starting guard Emmanuel Innocenti, a transfer from Gonzaga, left in the first half with a sprained ankle. Bennett said the team was still adjusting, adding that its habits were not yet where they needed to be.