Sun Devils Leave Troubles Behind

The Trojans, trying to break a five-game losing streak, play Arizona State, a team that has played surprisingly well considering the controversy that has surrounded the program in recent months.

Former Sun Devil Coach Bill Frieder resigned in September amid an FBI investigation into alleged point-shaving by two Sun Devil players during the 1992-93 season. Interim Coach Don Newman has managed to keep the focus on basketball, though, and guard Jeremy Veal and forwards Mike Batiste and Bobby Lazor are three of the top offensive players in the Pacific 10 Conference.

The Sun Devils almost upset No. 2 Kansas in the semifinals of the Preseason NIT in November but lost, 90-88, in overtime.

The Trojans, who also played well in a loss to the Jayhawks, have been hampered by injuries and poor defensive play since.

TONIGHT

at Arizona State

* 3 PST

Site--University Activity Center, Tempe.

Radio--KIEV (870).

Records--Trojans 4-6, Sun Devils 10-3.

Update--The Trojans should start their Pac-10 schedule at full strength. Junior guard Elias Ayuso and sophomore forward Jarvis Turner are expected to play. Ayuso sprained an ankle against Kansas and was held out against Tennessee and Turner has sat out four games since breaking his left hand against Nevada Las Vegas last month. The Sun Devils are 9-0 at home, their best home winning streak since the 1974-75 season, when they won all 14 home games. The Sun Devils are led by Veal and Lazor. Veal, a senior, is third in the Pac-10 in scoring (19.5) and Lazor, a junior, is fourth (19.2).