Curtain of Distraction

Arizona State fans showcase their Curtain of Distraction against UCLA on Feb. 18.  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

Arizona State fans showcase their Curtain of Distraction against UCLA on Feb. 18.  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

Arizona State fans prepare to open their Curtain of Distraction against UCLA on Feb. 18.  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

Arizona State students Trevor Zero, Ryan Dytrt and Pat Carlson practice a synchronized swimming routine as part of the Sun Devils’ Curtain of Distraction.  (Zach Helfand / Los Angeles Times)

Arizona State student Adam Birdsall plays the part of Sun Devils’ quarterback Mike Bercovici as part of the Curtain of Distraction designed to disrupt free throws.  (Zach Helfand / Los Angeles Times)

Arizona State student Tyler Moser prepares to play a Trojan as part of the Curtain of Distraction designed to disrupt free throws.  (Zach Helfand / Los Angeles Times)

Arizona State alumnus Nate McWhortor tries to distract a UCLA free-throw shooter.  (Zach Helfand / Los Angeles Times)

UCLA’s Bryce Alford shoots a free throw as Arizona State fans showcase their Curtain of Distraction on Feb. 18.  (Matt York / AP)

Arizona State fans showcase their Curtain of Distraction against UCLA on Feb. 18.  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

Arizona State fans showcase their Curtain of Distraction against UCLA on Feb. 18.  (Matt York / Associated Press)

Arizona State’s basketball student section, the 942 Crew, prepares for USC free throws by listing each act of the Curtain of Distraction on a whiteboard.  (Zach Helfand / Los Angeles Times)

The tunnel behind the basket at Wells Fargo Arena, where Arizona State plays its home games, is littered with costumes, masks and props.  (Zach Helfand / Los Angeles Times)