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Arizona State tries to extend winning streak to six

Dec 23, 2008 - 11:12 AM Idaho State (2-8) at No. 17 Arizona State (9-1), 2:00pm EST

TEMPE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Coming off a pair of heart-stopping victories within one week, 17th-ranked Arizona State hopes to have a bit more relaxing time on Tuesday.

Riding a five-game winning streak, the Sun Devils play host to lowly Idaho State, which has lost three straight.

While Arizona State hasn't lost since November, lately the wins haven't been coming easily. A week ago Sunday, it had to hold off little-known IUPUI at home, rallying from behind to squeak out a 59-58 victory in overtime.

Six days later, the result was the same - and so was the margin of victory. This time around, the Sun Devils had to wait for the officials to review the last play of the game before they knew their fate against Brigham Young. On the final possession of the game, Arizona State blocked BYU twice but gave up the offensive board on the second one - and it was seemingly tipped in for a game-winner at the buzzer by Charles Abouo.

The officials looked at the review and determined that Abouo did not get the follow shot off in time. While it was a controversial call for BYU, Arizona State will take the victory.

Sophomore guard James Harden has carried the Sun Devils and the BYU game was was no different. He rebounded from his weakest showing of the campaign - nine points and five turnovers against IUPUI - with 30 points, six boards, six assists and five steals against the Cougars. He leads the Pac-10 Conference in scoring at 24.3 points per game.