The Arizona State Sun Devils secured a thrilling 87-86 victory over the Texas Longhorns in their opening game of the 2025 Maui Invitational on Monday night, November 24, in Lahaina, thanks to a standout performance from guard Moe Odum. Odum scored a remarkable 36 points, including a crucial contested 3-pointer with just 10.6 seconds left in the game, which helped ASU reclaim the lead after trailing by two points.
Leading 39-34 at halftime, the Sun Devils encountered challenges at the start of the second half as the Longhorns surged ahead with a 14-4 run, establishing a 50-46 lead. Texas seemed to take control of the game when big man Matas Vokietaitis scored, extending their advantage to 76-66 with just over seven minutes remaining. However, Odum refused to let his team falter, hitting several key shots, including four free throws and two pivotal 3-pointers that contributed to a 13-2 run, allowing ASU to regain the lead at 79-78.
With just over three minutes to play, Dailyn Swain of Texas put his team back in front with a layup, but both teams struggled to score as tension mounted. ASU center Massamba Diop tied the game at 84 before another layup from Swain gave the Longhorns a narrow lead. In a dramatic turn, Swain missed two critical free throws, setting the stage for Odum’s heroic 3-point shot that clinched the win for the Sun Devils.
Though Odum had an off shooting night, hitting just 7 of 21 from the floor, his efficiency from the free-throw line, where he was 16 of 18, proved vital. Anthony Johnson also contributed significantly with 17 points, while Andrija Grbovic added eight during the first half.
For Texas, Swain’s 24 points led the team, while Vokietaitis, who averaged 16 points per game, was held to just two in the first half but finished with 15 points. The loss came despite Texas being favored by seven points under first-year head coach Sean Miller.
Next, Arizona State is set to face Washington State, who previously defeated Chaminade, on Tuesday, November 25, at 6 p.m. on ESPN. This hard-fought win marks a positive step for the Sun Devils in this early season tournament, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.