TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and critical mistakes, Maurice Odum’s 23 points and a dominant performance at the free-throw line propelled Arizona State to a 72-67 upset victory over Texas Tech in a Big 12 men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Sun Devils, improving to 14-12, leveraged a stifling defense that forced 16 Red Raider turnovers, converting them into 18 points, while committing only nine of their own. That disparity, coupled with a 13-for-17 showing from the charity stripe compared to Texas Tech’s 10-for-13, proved decisive in a contest where offensive efficiency was at a premium.

Odum, a guard from the Bronx, New York, was the catalyst, attacking relentlessly to draw fouls and going a perfect 8-for-8 from the line, including two clutch free throws with one second remaining to seal the outcome. His backcourt mate, Noah Meeusen of Ostend, Belgium, orchestrated the offense with six assists and added six points, while the Sun Devils’ frontcourt of Massamba Diop and Santiago Trouet provided crucial interior play. Diop, a 7-foot-1 center from Senegal, scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Trouet, a 6-foot-11 forward from Argentina, chipped in 13 points, two blocks and two steals.

Texas Tech, which fell to 19-7, was led by JT Toppin’s 20 points and four blocks and Christian Anderson’s 18 points and six assists. But the Red Raiders’ offense, which entered with an 83.5% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, never found a consistent rhythm against Arizona State’s active hands and switching schemes. The Red Raiders shot 44.4% from the field but managed only four assists against 16 turnovers, a season-worst ratio.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final chaotic minute, with Arizona State clinging to a 69-67 lead. After a missed three-pointer by Texas Tech’ Anderson with 20 seconds left, the Sun Devils’ Anthony Johnson was fouled and made one of two free throws with eight seconds remaining for a 70-67 edge. On the ensuing inbounds play, Arizona State’s pressure defense forced a monumental turnover, as Trouet stole the pass intended for Anderson near midcourt with one second on the clock. Anderson fouled Odum in the ensuing scramble, sending the Sun Devil guard to the line where he calmly sank both shots to provide the final margin.

The game was a stark contrast in styles and execution. Arizona State, despite shooting a lower percentage from the floor (26 of 59, 44.1%) and from three-point range (7 of 18, 38.9%), maximized its possessions. The Sun Devils posted an offensive rating of 105.8 points per 100 possessions, significantly outperforming Texas Tech’s mark of 95.5. The Red Raiders’ nine steals and five blocks were overshadowed by their own ball-security issues and an uncharacteristically low assist total.

The first half set the tone for the grind, featuring eight lead changes and ending with Arizona State holding a narrow 37-36 advantage. The Sun Devils built their largest lead at nine points, 55-46, after a 9-0 run midway through the second half, keyed by an Odum three-pointer and free throws. Texas Tech responded with a 12-4 spurt, capped by an Anderson three-pointer, to close within 59-58 with just under eight minutes to play, but could never reclaim the lead.

Arizona State’s victory snapped a two-game home losing streak in conference play and provided a significant resume boost. Texas Tech, which had won three of its last four including an overtime road win at Arizona, saw its hopes for a high conference tournament seed dented by the road loss.

The announced attendance was 6,874 at Wells Fargo Arena.

Arizona State travels to face Baylor on Saturday. Texas Tech returns home to host Kansas State on Saturday.