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Arizona State hopes to bounce back

Nov 30, 2008 - 8:12 AM Texas-El Paso (3-2) vs. Arizona State (4-1), 8:00 p.m. EST

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Arizona State will have to improve its usually dependable defense if it hopes to avoid a second straight upset.

The 14th-ranked Sun Devils look to rebound from their first loss when they take on Texas-El Paso in a consolation game of the 76 Classic tournament on Sunday.

Arizona State was defeated on Friday, 87-78, by Baylor after it had allowed 53.0 points over their first four contests. Baylor scored 56 points in the second half and shot 51 percent (26-of-51) from the floor.

Sophomore James Harden did his best to prevent the loss, scoring a tournament-record 32 points on 9-of-17 shooting. The 6-5 guard is averaging 24.4 points and 6.6 rebounds.

UTEP is capable of springing an upset and fell just short against No. 24 Wake Forest, 82-79, on Friday.

Stefon Jackson, who is averaging 21.8 points and 7.4 rebounds, had 31 points in the loss to Wake Forest.