(Photo: Misha Jones/WCSN)
Before No. 19 Arizona State (16-6, 6-4 Pac-12) takes on No. 9 Oregon State and No. 3 Oregon on the road this weekend, WCSN’s women’s basketball reporters discussed all things Arizona State women’s basketball.
What has been Arizona State’s biggest strength to this point in conference play?
Griffin Peters: The Sun Devils’ biggest strength is their defense. While at times Charli Turner Thorne has expressed belief that it could be better, their defense has saved them in some games with poorer offensive performances. This team just finds a way to win games, but if the Devils want to make major noise in the Pac-12 tournament and throughout March, they are going to have to clean up their offensive woes and continue to stay locked in on the defensive end.
Misha Jones: Rebounding, rebounding, rebounding. It’s pretty much been proven that if ASU wins the battle on the boards and snags an ample amount of offensive rebounds they’ll be in any game they play. A close second strength would be their defense. They’ve only given up more than 70 points in three games this season, two of which were losses. First, in their early-season loss to Minnesota, then in the triple-overtime game against USC this past weekend, and finally in their loss to UCLA on Sunday. I’d also count Robbi Ryan as a strength all by herself, she’s been on a tear as of late averaging almost 18 points per game over the last four contests.
Chris Fahrendorf: The Sun Devils biggest strength is their teamwork. Whether it’s the five-in five-out rotations or just the chemistry you see on the court the 2019-20 ASU team’s unity is the reason they have played so well. Turner Thorne’s team preaches team defense and that has been on display since their back-to-back wins over then No. 2 Oregon and No. 3 Oregon State. As the season has progressed it has been evident, on both ends of the court, that this is the team’s biggest strength. As long as they play as a team and do not resort to hero ball I could see them potentially sneaking out of Oregon with another signature win.
What matchup (team or individual) are you most looking forward to this weekend?
GP: Both of these games are must-see, no doubt. But, the game against the No. 3 Oregon Ducks is the matchup that I am anticipating the most. The Ducks are coming off a road-win against No. 4 UConn, so this team is coming in on a high-note. Oregon’s senior guard Sabrina Ionescu is one of the best players in the country and runs the pick and roll to perfection. I am very intrigued to see how ASU plans to slow down Ionescu and Oregon’s high-powered pick and roll offense. I’m also looking forward to seeing how Ja’Tavia Tapley plays this weekend. The senior forward has gone through a rough three-game stretch, but the Sun Devils will need her to step up if they are going to win these games. Tapley was named National Player of the Week by ESPN the last time ASU matched up with the Oregon schools, so we will see how she performs this time around.
MJ: I’m looking forward to the matchup with Oregon State more, just because I feel like that one is more within reach for the Sun Devils and will be more fun to watch. To be completely honest, I think Oregon is starting to really hit their stride, which is scary considering they’ve only lost two games this year and beat Team USA. They handled No. 4 UConn easily on Monday, and are riding that momentum.
CF: The matchup I am looking forward to most this weekend is Reili Richardson versus Sabrina Ionescu. Both guards are arguably the most essential part of their team’s offenses. Richardson is averaging 8.3 points per game and 3.0 assists while Ionescu is averaging 17.3 points per game, 7.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists. Both girls are seniors and have the experience needed to perform in the clutch. Just this past week Richardson hit a clutch 3-pointer to put away USC in ASU’s triple-overtime win. On the other hand, Ionescu is widely regarded as the best player in the NCAA and can take over a game at any time. One thing is for sure, Richardson and ASU are going to have their hands full with Ionescu, especially in Oregon.
After two Top 10 wins over the Beavers and Ducks in Tempe in early January, what are your expectations for this weekend?
GP: I expect ASU to be well-prepared for both Oregon schools. Turner Thorne was not pleased with the way her team played against UCLA, so she will have them ready to go for these huge matchups. I also expect ASU to clean up their performance on the offensive end this weekend. The Devils turned the ball over 26 times in the triple overtime victory over USC and they have had trouble converting their halfcourt sets against UCLA and Arizona. ASU must clean up their offense if they are going to beat either Oregon or Oregon State. If they don’t, it could be a rough road trip for the Sun Devils.
MJ: Oregon State has had a season akin to ASU’s, and went 3-3 in the games since the last meeting between the two teams. I expect the Sun Devils will come out of the gate swinging against the Beavers. If they play well in Corvallis on Friday, maybe they’ll have the momentum they need to make it a fight in Eugene on Sunday. But, in the end, I predict Oregon will be too much for Charli Turner Thorne’s squad. Sabrina Ionescu, Satou Sabally and Ruthie Hebard just seem to become harder to stop each game.
CF: If I’m being honest, my expectation is that Arizona State plays both Oregon and Oregon State close but fails to come out of the weekend with a win. ASU has not picked up that statement road win yet and it would surprise me if this is the weekend they do it. Both Oregon and Oregon State are going to be looking for revenge against the Devils and I would be willing to bet that both teams fans will want to get in on the revenge tour. At the same time, Turner Thorne’s teams have surprised me in the past so I will not completely rule out a crazy upset win.
