(Photo credit: Maya Diaz/WCSN)
Arizona State women’s basketball returns to Desert Financial Arena on Saturday looking to snap a seven-game losing streak as it hosts BYU in a pivotal Big 12 Conference matchup.
The Sun Devils (8-14, 2-8 Big 12) have struggled mightily in conference play, dropping each of their last seven games by an average of 16 points. Their most recent setback came on the road against No. 24 Oklahoma State, where they fell 83-71 in Stillwater. With the season slipping away, ASU is searching for a breakthrough performance, as a victory over the Cougars (10-10, 1-8 Big 12) could be the spark it needs to climb out of its current slump and regain confidence.
Arizona State’s struggles this season can largely be traced to its defensive shortcomings. While the Sun Devils have been respectable offensively, ranking eighth in the Big 12 in scoring at 70.5 points per game, their defense has been a glaring weakness.
ASU sits at the bottom of the conference in defense, allowing a conference-worst 74.9 points per game. Opponents have consistently found ways to exploit gaps in ASU’s defense, whether through high-percentage looks in the paint or efficient perimeter shooting. If the Sun Devils hope to climb out of their slump, tightening up on the defensive end will be essential.
One of the biggest challenges for Arizona State will be containing BYU freshman guard Delaney Gibb, who has been a bright spot for the Cougars despite their recent struggles. Gibb ranks in the top 10 in the Big 12 in scoring, leading BYU with 17.2 points per game, while also leading the team in assists. With ASU’s well-documented defensive issues, slowing down Gibb will be a hefty task. If the Sun Devils fail to limit her impact, she has the ability to exploit their defensive lapses and take over the game, making her a key player to watch in this matchup.
Fortunately for Arizona State, BYU enters this matchup dealing with struggles of its own. The Cougars have dropped five straight games, finding themselves in a similar rut as they look to turn their season around. Offensive inconsistencies and defensive lapses have plagued BYU during this skid, creating an opportunity for ASU to capitalize on versus a team that is also searching for answers.
For Arizona State to find success against BYU, a strong shooting performance from beyond the arc could be critical. The Sun Devils have struggled from three-point range in recent games, but this matchup presents an opportunity for them to turn things around.
BYU has had difficulty defending the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot the second-highest three-point percentage in the Big 12. If ASU can capitalize on open looks from deep, it could help offset its defensive struggles and provide the offensive spark needed to snap its losing streak. A productive night from long-range could be the difference in securing a much-needed win at home.
With both squads desperate to end their respective losing streaks, this game presents a chance for the Sun Devils to reset and take advantage of a vulnerable opponent on their home court.
