Alston Mason is Arizona State’s savior against No. 9 Texas Tech

In the past eight games, the Tournai, Belgium native averages 19 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals on 49% shooting. With the departure of senior guard BJ Freeman, Mason has stepped up in a major way. He is the active scoring and assists leader for the program. ASU’s offense revolves entirely around the senior guard, and he’ll need a repeat performance against Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders barely escaped against the Sun Devils in a 111-106 overtime win in Lubbock. Now, in Tempe, Texas Tech won’t take ASU lightly. Saturday’s game holds a lot of weight over the head of head coach Bobby Hurley’s shoulders. A loss would extend the program’s home losing streak to nine, making it the longest losing streak in Desert Financial Arena’s history.

Hurley’s job is in jeopardy against the Red Raiders, and he’ll need his senior guard for another stellar performance. Mason dropped 16 points and six assists on 60% shooting in his last game against Texas Tech. ASU had its best offensive game of the season because of its experienced guard play.

However, the Sun Devils will be without key players from that last matchup: Freeman and freshman center Jayden Quaintance, who is dealing with nagging injuries. Mason will need to cover the difference in their absence if he wants his team to carry major momentum heading into the Big 12 tournament.