Fischer gets 19 in debut, Marquette beats Sun Devils 78-71
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Center Luke Fischer had 19 points and nine rebounds in his first game for Marquette, and Jajuan Johnson added 22 points to spark the Golden Eagles' 78-71 win Tuesday night over Arizona State.
The 6-foot-11 Fischer, a transfer from Indiana, provided a sorely-needed presence in the middle for the undersized and short-handed Golden Eagles (5-4). He blocked five shots and helped alter many other possessions in the paint against the Sun Devils (6-4).
Duane Wilson had 19 points and formed a dangerous duo with Johnson in the open floor. Marquette held a 20-10 advantage on the break.
Gerry Blakes scored 20 points for Arizona State, which shot 38 percent. Kodi Justice added 12 points.
The Sun Devils narrowed a 21-point deficit in the game's closing minutes, but couldn't overcome a subpar night from the field.
Fischer played 13 games last season for Indiana before transferring. Until Tuesday, Fischer's last action was on Dec. 22, 2013, when he scored 10 points in 19 minutes against Kennesaw State.
Eligibility rules required Fischer to sit out until after the fall semester. It didn't take long for the big guy to make his presence known in his Marquette debut.
Entering the game for the first time 2 1/2 minutes into the first half, Fischer couldn't handle a pass into the post on his first offensive touch. But he looked at ease on the defensive end from the start corralling rebounds and he quickly got comfortable around his own bucket.
Before Tuesday, Marquette didn't have an active player taller than 6-foot-7 Steve Taylor, Jr. on its roster.
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TIP-INS
Arizona State: The Sun Devils allowed Marquette to shoot 57 percent in the first half, trailing 43-32 at halftime. It was the most points allowed in the first half this year by Arizona State. Forward Savon Goodman made his Arizona State debut, getting seven points in 8 minutes.
Marquette: While adding Fischer, the Golden Eagles also played their first game without sophomore guards Deonte Burton and John Dawson. They were recruited by Steve Wojciechowski's predecessor at Marquette, Buzz Williams. .Jujuan Johnson had a team-high 12 points in the first half.
UP NEXT
Arizona State: Hosts Lehigh on Saturday.
Marquette: Hosts Alabama A&M on Friday.