COL BKB: Arizona St. 80, Miss. Valley 64

TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- James Harden scored 24 points Friday and No. 15 Arizona State opened its season with an 80-64 decision over Mississippi Valley State.

This is the third year as coach of the Sun Devils for Herb Sendek and it marks the first time during that span he has opened the season with a victory.

Arizona State, which is ranked nationally for the first time in 17 seasons, also got 18 points from Ty Abbott and 12 from Rihards Kuksiks.

Shannon Behling led Mississippi Valley with 18.