Arizona State 79, Central Arkansas 64: Jordan Bachynski had 17 points, 12 rebounds and a school-record nine blocks, and freshman point guard Jahii Carson added 15 points in his much anticipated debut as the host Sun Devils cruised to victory in the season opener for both teams.

Evan Gordon had 14 points, eight rebounds and five steals for Arizona State, which led 49-31 at halftime.

Jordan Harks had 16 points and 10 rebounds for Central Arkansas, which was picked to finish eighth in the 10-team Southland Conference preseason poll.

The Sun Devils prevailed despite shooting 6-for-22 from 3-point range and 13-for-25 from the free throw line.

Central Arkansas leading scorer LaQuentin Miles was held to eight points on 4-for-19 shooting.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Carson was among the best point guard recruits in the nation before failing to qualify academically last year. … Arizona State forward Carrick Felix scored only seven points on 3-of-11 shooting and was called for a technical foul, but had 11 rebounds. … Only two of the 13 teams on Arizona State’s non-conference schedule finished last season with a winning record.