The Arizona State Sun Devils (18-4, 5-4 Big 12) broke a two-game losing streak on Wednesday night by securing a hard-fought victory over their rivals, the Arizona Wildcats (10-10, 1-8), with a final score of 68-61 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe. This win comes after two challenging road losses, including a 53-43 defeat to West Virginia and a close 66-64 loss to Cincinnati, highlighting the importance of this matchup for ASU’s momentum.
In the initial quarter, the teams exchanged points evenly, but a late 3-0 run by Arizona allowed ASU to hold a narrow 16-13 lead at the end of the first. By halftime, the Sun Devils extended their advantage to 33-26, with Gabby Elliott leading the scoring for ASU with 10 points, and Jyah LoVett contributing 6 points. However, the Sun Devils faced criticism for failing to capitalize on opportunities in the final minutes of the half.
The second half saw a dramatic shift as the Wildcats began with an 8-0 run, capturing a 34-33 lead early in the third quarter. The Sun Devils struggled offensively during this period, managing their first points only at the 5:24 mark from Heloisa Carrera. Arizona’s response further extended ASU’s deficit to 15-2 at one point in the quarter. Nevertheless, ASU found its rhythm and managed to tie the game at 45 before Marley Washenitz hit a pivotal three-pointer, pushing the Sun Devils to a 48-47 lead by the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter was marked by back-and-forth play, but the Sun Devils’ junior forward McKinna Brackens emerged as a key player alongside Elliott, contributing crucial points in the closing moments to seal the victory.
Key contributions came from several players, most notably:
– Gabby Elliott with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals,
– McKinna Brackens, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds,
– Heloisa Carrera also adding to the team’s success with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Looking ahead, Arizona State is set to face Kansas State on Sunday, before wrapping up their three-game home stretch against Oklahoma State on February 4. This win over Arizona not only boosts their confidence but also sets a positive tone for the upcoming matches as they aim to solidify their standings in the conference.