ASU will be without freshman duo in the Pac-12 Tournament

Freshmen Josh Christopher and Marcus Bagley will not be available for Arizona State in the Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament, head coach Bobby Hurley told the media on Tuesday.

Hurley had expressed some optimism that Bagley was attempting to give it a shot, but he will be held out.

“Marcus had some pain after the Colorado game and has not quieted down to the point that was necessary for him to have the ability to play,” Hurley said.

For Christopher, Hurley said that optimism never really materialized.

“He never even got to the point where it was realistic for this week because he was never able to get out on the practice floor at all,” Hurley said.

The team is facing an uphill battle in the tournament without two starting players, but Hurley believes they have enough leadership to make some noise.

“Remy (Martin) seemed to be very positive. Alonzo Verge was talking today in practice more than I’ve probably heard him talk in a while,” Hurley said.

Martin and Verge are both seniors.

ASU will have to run the table to four-straight wins in order to extend their season and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament, a feat the team accomplished in 2018 and 2019.

The Sun Devils start against Washington State on Wednesday, followed by a matchup against No. 1 seed Oregon if they are able to advance.

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