ASU is playing better basketball.

Since the calendar turned to the new year, the Sun Devils
have won two games—or half as many as they won in the
season’s first two months back when the calendar read
2011.

What’s changed?

“Ball movement,” answered head coach Herb Sendek without
hesitation. “We’re really doing a much better job of
sharing and moving the basketball.”

The numbers back up the coach’s statement.

Over the last four games, the Sun Devils have shot 55-
percent from the field (92-167) and 50-percent from 3 (31-
62) while averaging just under 15 assists per game.

“I think we’re getting more valuable shots. We’re playing
smart,” said sophomore Chanse Creekmur, whose enjoyed his
own resurgence in 2012.

Twice in the last three games Creekmur has scored in
double figures, including a career-high 24-point
performance (that included six 3s) Saturday against Oregon
State. He had hit the double figure mark just once in the
team’s first 13 games.

“Chanse is in a great place right now,” explained Sendek.
“(He’s) expanded his range of shots on the court. He’s
shooting the ball exceptionally well.”

The increased playing time has certainly helped. Creekmur
has played nearly every minute (37.8 average) since Keala
King was suspended (and ultimately dismissed).

“My confidence is up right now,” he said.

So too is the team’s confidence.

That confidence though will be tested this week when ASU
visits Colorado and Utah this week, likely without it’s
leading scorer Trent Lockett.

“I’m very pleased with our improvement—outside of the
turnover bug,” said Sendek. “Fifty-five percent against
the quality of defenses we’ve played is impressive. Fifty
percent from 3 is astounding. Those are two steps in the
right direction.”

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