Rihards Kuksiks ('88) scored 24 points on a career-high eight 3-pointers in the victory of Arizona State over UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (69-42). The latvian prospect hit seven 3-pointers in the first half as the Sun Devils (9-3) won their third straight. He finished 8-of-16 from beyond the arc, falling two buckets shy of the Pac-10 and school records.

He came out blazing against the Gauchos' zone defense, which gave him plenty of open space on the perimeter. He hit five of his first eight from beyond the arc as the Sun Devils raced to a 27-16 lead midway through the first half. Kuksiks had seven 3-pointers - and 21 total points - at halftime, leaving him three shy of the conference and school record with 20 minutes to play. The prospect connected only once in five tries after intermission.

 

 

Photo: FIBA Europe