Colorado Upsets Tra Holder, Arizona State to Hand Sun Devils 2nd Straight Loss

The No. 4 Arizona State Sun Devils looked like one of the best teams in the country during nonconference play, but the early Pac-12 schedule has been a different story.

The Colorado Buffaloes handed Arizona State its second loss in as many conference games Thursday with a 90-81 overtime victory at the Coors Events Center. The Sun Devils fell to 0-2 in the Pac-12 after winning all 12 of their nonconference contests, including one against Xavier and another against Kansas.

McKinley Wright IV led the way with 19 points, five assists and two steals, helping snap a three-game losing streak with Colorado's first league win of the season. Namon Wright also thrived with 19 points and seven boards behind 7-of-12 shooting from the field.

Despite the loss, Tra Holder impressed for the visitors with 24 points and three steals, while Romello Wright added a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards.

Colorado appeared to be in control down the stretch when Wright's free throws gave it a 73-67 lead with less than 90 seconds remaining, but the Sun Devils clawed their way back and had an opportunity to win at the end.

While Shannon Evans II's potential game-winning three rimmed out, Mickey Mitchell battled for the loose ball and slammed home the tying dunk that forced overtime:

However, Colorado scored the first five points of overtime and never relinquished its lead thanks in large part to clutch shooting from the charity stripe. Seven of the Buffaloes' 22 made free throws came in the final minute of overtime, which prevented Holder and the Sun Devils from making a late charge like they did in regulation.

The fans stormed the floor in response to the overtime effort:

Arizona State is still on the early short list of teams competing for favorable seeding come Selection Sunday in large part because of its impressive victories outside the league, but it needs to get back on track first.

It will have the chance to do just that Sunday when it closes its three-game road trip against the Utah Utes.

Colorado will look to parlay momentum from Thursday into another headlining win Saturday when it faces the Arizona Wildcats.