Arizona State upsets Arizona, 69-66, in double overtime

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona had been able to get way with occasional nights when the three-pointers and free throws were not falling.

Even with the kind defense the Wildcats play, it wasn’t enough against their biggest rival.

Second-ranked Arizona kept Arizona State close with its defense, but couldn’t overcome another poor shooting night in a 69-66 loss to the Sun Devils on Friday night.

Arizona shot four of 16 from three-point range and made 16 of 30 on free throws, negating a 54-35 advantage in rebounds, including 18 on the offensive glass.

“Our offense is continuing to put more and more pressure on our defense,” Arizona Coach Sean Miller. “You can only guard so well.”

With both teams struggling offensively during a physical game filled with fouls, neither team could take control.

Arizona State (19-6, 8-4 Pac-12) won it by turning to Jermaine Marshall and relying on Jordan Bachynski.

Marshall, who missed the first game against Arizona, went more than 20 minutes without a field goal, but made a pair of three-pointers in the second overtime and scored on a drive with 14 seconds left to put the Sun Devils ahead by one point, 67-66. He had eight of his 29 points in the second overtime.

Arizona (23-2, 10-2) didn’t call a timeout and got the ball into the hands of T.J. McConnell for a final shot. The Wildcats’ point guard hit some big shots throughout the game, but his final attempt was sent back by Bachynski, leading to a breakaway dunk by Jahii Carson that sent the fans pouring onto the court.

One problem: There was still time left on the clock. Less than a second, but enough for the Wildcats to get off a good shot.

Nick Johnson got a good one, too. It hit the rim and bounced away, though, sending the fans back onto the court and the Sun Devils to victory over Arizona, the highest-ranked opponent they have ever beaten at home.

“In terms of college basketball, that’s as good as it gets,” said Arizona State Coach Herb Sendek, who was doused with Gatorade in the locker room. “Obviously, the game could have gone either way, but I stand in awe at the players on both teams and their ability to perform on a stage like that, in such conditions, they really have my total respect.”