PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — In an exciting matchup at the Acrisure Classic, Basheer Jihad led Arizona State with 20 points, while Joson Sanon contributed 19, helping the Sun Devils secure a narrow 85-82 victory over New Mexico on Thursday night.

BJ Freeman was instrumental in the second half, scoring 10 of his 16 points, and Alston Mason was clutch from the free-throw line, going 4-for-4 in the final 23 seconds of the game, finishing with 11 points.

On the other side, Donovan Dent had an impressive performance for New Mexico, scoring a season-high 30 points along with seven assists. Mustapha Amzil also made his mark, recording a career-high of 28 points, while CJ Noland added 13 points to the team’s effort.

Late in the game, Jihad knocked down a three-pointer, and after a turnover by New Mexico, Freeman followed up with another three, extending Arizona State’s lead to five points with just 1:25 remaining. This victory marks Arizona State’s fourth consecutive win since their loss to then-No. 6 Gonzaga on November 10. They are set to face Saint Mary’s in the championship game on Friday, while New Mexico will take on Southern California in the consolation contest.

Early in the first half, Sanon hit a three-pointer that propelled Arizona State to a 13-point advantage with 5:48 remaining. However, New Mexico responded with a three-pointer from Noland, which was their first field goal in nearly six minutes, igniting a remarkable 19-3 run that ended the first half, while Arizona State was unable to score in the final five-plus minutes.

Freeman’s two sets of free throws concluded an 11-2 run for Arizona State, leveling the score at 62 with 7:53 left in the game. This sparked a thrilling finish that featured seven ties and five lead changes in the closing moments.

With 6:24 remaining, Sanon managed to convert a three-point play, regaining the lead for Arizona State at 66-65, marking their first lead of the second half.