Nov. 30, 2008

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TOP SUN DEVIL SCORING GAMES
61-Eddie House at California (2 OT), Jan. 8, 2000
46-Eddie House at San Diego State, Dec. 18, 1999
45-Paul Williams at USC, March 10, 1983
42-Eddie House vs. Penn State, Dec. 29, 1999
40-James Harden vs. UTEP (@Anaheim), Nov. 30, 2008
40-Eddie House vs. UCLA, Feb. 17, 2000

Anaheim, Calif.-

Thomas Lenneberg, ASU Media Relations

James Harden scored 40 points, eclipsing the tournament record he set the game before, as the No. 14 Sun Devils took down UTEP 88-58 to win third place at the 76 Classic.

Harden's 40 points were not only a career high, but also the fifth highest scoring mark in ASU history. He went 14-for-25 from the floor, including 6-of-7 from beyond the arc, while adding eight rebounds and four assists.

"James had a remarkable game," Arizona State coach Herb Sendek declared. "It was mesmerizing to watch."

UTEP jumped out to an early lead in the first five minutes, but Arizona State, determined to win after losing for the first time this season last game, responded with a 13-0 spree to move ahead 24-18 with 11:01 left in the first half. Harden then scored 14 points in the next three and a half minutes to extend the Sun Devils' advantage to 41-27 with 6:10 left remaining before the break.

The sophomore made 7-of-11 shots, including all four from 3-point range, en-route to 19 points in the first half.

Although ASU only led by nine at halftime, Harden and Co. quickly stretched the lead, outscoring the Miners by 21 in the second half.

"I think our team played a collective effort in this win and we all had the mindset of trying to play well and redeem ourselves," said the left-handed Pre-season All-American of their mindset during the game.

ASU was clicking on all cylinders, draining a season-high 13 3-pointers and forcing 10 turnovers as their stingy defense returned to form after giving up 87 points last game.

The ever-humble Harden attributed his offensive outpour to this smothering defense, stating, "We had to maintain [focus] on the defensive end because I'm going to get my buckets in transition. That was the most important thing."

The Devils held UTEP to a season low 30 percent shooting, including two lengthy stretches in which the Miners were held to just five and six points, respectively. In the first half, Texas- El Paso made one jumper and three free throws in seven and half minutes, and during an 11-minute span in the second half, they were held to just six made free throws.

"I was really pleased with the way our guys responded and bounced back today. I thought our defense was much better," coach Sendek remarked about the win.

Harden spent the weekend in Anaheim rewriting the record books for the second annual tournament. He set and broke the single-game scoring record, while also establishing the record for most total tournament points, with 87. James' great performances, along with Jeff Pendergraph's return to full health and a third place finish, resulted in a great time for coach Sendek and the Sun Devils.

"The event has been fabulous. Everybody has been so welcoming and nice and it was a real honor for Arizona State to participate in the 76 Classic," coach Sendek expressed about the team's weekend in southern California. "We are really excited about the opportunity that we have had here."

Ty Abbott, the only other Devil who scored in double digits, finished with 12 points, while point guard Derek Glasser had a game-high seven assists.