My Sun Devil hoops dream turns into a nightmare

I was sitting here at work feeling good about myself as my Arizona State Sun Devils were shooting for the stars in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon.

ASU lead USC in the first round of the PAC-12 Tournament for most of the way.  I didn't have any doubt that my team was going to extend their stay for a second day.

After ASU lead 60-46 with a little more than nine minutes to play in the game, the Sun Devils suddenly forgot how to score.

USC outscored my Sun Devils 21-4 to end the game and perhaps end their season.

Do my Sun Devils have what it takes to close out lesser opponents?  Do my Sun Devils have great coaching that can get players out of their slumps?  Do my Sun Devils even have coaches that can inspire their fanbase?  No, no, and no.

I could hear the pain and disbelief from Tim Healey and Kyle Dodd respectively down the stretch.  They mentioned that key Sun Devils were scared of taking the big shot.

As an athlete, you can't be afraid to step up in a big game at a big moment.  You're fighting for something bigger than yourselves.  You have a chance to do something special in a postseason tournament where anything can happen.

Anything happened alright, USC took control of its own destiny despite being the 12th seed and advanced to the second round to face UCLA on Thursday.

Arizona State is sent packing like the down on their luck losers at a Vegas casino.  I know, it pained me to write that last sentence.

See the highlights here down below:


Near the end are the lowlights for my team.

I say it's time to turn the page and start a new chapter in our Sun Devil basketball history.  It's time for Athletic Director Ray Anderson to bring in his guy to lead our squad to the promised land.

Next thing you know, I'll have dreams about my Sun Devils winning big in Vegas and in the PAC-12 Tournament.