The University of Detroit Titans' season came to an end after falling to Arizona State in the first round of the NIT Wednesday night, 83-68.
The Titans could not overcome their slow start in which they did not register a field goal in the first ten minutes of the game and trailed at halftime 46-27. The Titans couldn't make their shots and the Sun Devils couldn't miss.
Arizona State was led by freshman sensation Jahii Carson who had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Senior Carrick Felix had 21 points and 7 rebounds. 7'2" center Jordan Bachynski had 16 points and 3 blocks. Jonathan Gilling chipped in with 10 points.
Jason Calliste led Detroit with 19 points and Ray McCallum added 16 points. The Titans were able to cut into the lead coming out of the half down to nine points as Doug Anderson hit three straight field goals and finished with 12 points. That would be as close as the Titans would get as Arizona State kept making their shots.
This was a game of statistical oddities that favored the Sun Devils. The Titans average just over 78 points a game, but had only 8 points halfway through the first half. Arizona State, who was near the bottom of the Pac-12 in rebounding, out-rebounded Detroit 39-20. The Titans average around 35% from 3-point range and went just 2-20. Bachynski, normally a 57% free throw shooter, was a perfect 8-8 from the line.
Another stat that favored the Sun Devils was the Titans early foul trouble which limited the Titans and forced them to get much deeper into their bench than they usually do. One thing that kept the Titans in the game was their 26-27 free throw shooting, which was their best performance of the season.
The Titans now look to an off-season that will be filled with many questions as to who they will sign and who will return. They will lose Doug Anderson and Nick Minnerath to graduation as they look to maintain the momentum built in the last three seasons.
Arizona State continues NIT play and will face Baylor in the second round.
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