TEMPE, AZ — It got a little too close for comfort late in
the 2nd half, but
Herb
Sendek’s Arizona State Sun Devils opened the 2011-12 season with a 78-
72
win over Montana State at Wells Fargo Arena.

The free throw line was the Sun Devils’ best friend on Friday, as they
connected on 28 of 35 attempts from the charity stripe, including 16 out of
18 in the last 8 minutes of the game.

You couldn’t say many nice things about ASU’s relationship with free throws
last year. The Sun Devils shot 62.8% from the line last season, so their 80%
clip on Friday was certainly a key to the win.

Carrick Felix had a steal, a dunk and two free throws in a span of
35
seconds that put ASU up by 12 with 2:46 to go, but the Bobcats kept
charging. And when Rod Singleton hit a three-pointer with :13 left,
Montana State crept to within 3 points.

But Keala King hit one of two free throws and Kyle Cain knocked down two
free tosses as ASU held on for the opening day win.

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