Sun Devils fight off Colorado down the stretch to snap skid

(Photo Credit: Mauricio Casillas/WCSN)

No. 20 Arizona State (21-6, 10-5) ended their three-game losing streak Friday, defeating Colorado (14-12, 4-11) 55-51 in the Sun Devils’ Play4Kay game.

Throughout the first half, tight defense and poor shooting percentages kept the game neck and neck. Though ASU shot only 35 percent from the field, they took a 22-19 lead into halftime as the Buffaloes only shot 31.8 percent, and started o-for-10 from the field. Colorado’s junior forward Jen Reese led all scorers with six points.

Reese caught fire in the second half, hitting two jumpers in the first minute to put the Colorado in the lead. She finished with 18 points to lead the team. Despite her efforts, the game kept suit with the first half and remained close, with the biggest lead being a mere six points. There were 17 lead changes.

Colorado backed off from the three-point line, which allowed the Sun Devils to sink four crucial shots from beyond the arc late, two coming from redshirt sophomore guard Katie Hempen. Hempen lead ASU with 13 points. Freshman forward Sophie Brunner tallied seven rebounds.

The game was tied at 49 with a little over a minute left until Elisha Davis found Kelsey Moos down low in the paint for an easy layup, and ASU never looked back.

A turnover from Colorado’s junior guard Lexy Kresl allowed Arizona State to gain possession and Hempen sunk two from the line.

Deja Mann hit two free throws with four seconds to go to seal the win.

The Sun Devils hope to carry this momentum into their last home game of the season on Sunday against Utah. The game also marks Senior Day, where ASU will honor their three seniors, Joy Burke, Adrianne Thomas and Deja Mann, in a post-game ceremony.

You can reach Katy Burge on Twitter @KatyBurge or via email at katy.burge@asu.edu

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