(Photo: Nicole Hernandez/WCSN)
Behind a solid performance from ASU’s post players, the Sun Devils took care of business in its first game of the ASU Classic, defeating Boston University 71-42.
In the first quarter, the Sun Devils opened the game up on an 8-2 run before Charli Tuner subsisted a whole other unit into the game.
Throughout the opening quarter Boston University played a tough zone defense, clogging up driving lanes.
Despite the fast start, the Terriers made the first quarter competitive, with four of their players scoring a basket.
The scoring was done by committee is the first, as six Sun Devils recorded at least one basket.
ASU held onto its 18-12 lead heading into the second quarter.
Boston University attempted to apply a full-court press defense but ASU sliced through it with ball movement.
ASU led by 10 points early in the second quarter after freshman Jamie Ruden made a jump shot.
The Sun Devils played extremely tough defense in the second quarter, only allowing the Terriers to score seven points.
Senior Sophie Brunner was in the passing lanes, stole the ball and took it the length of the court for an easy layup. That score by Brunner would help the Sun Devils on another 8-2 run.
However, that run was stopped shortly after as senior Sarah Hope drained a three pointer for Boston University.
With seconds remaining before half time freshman Reili Richardson drove and kicked the ball out to Sabrina Haines for a three pointer. Haines was fouled on the play and completed the four-point play.
After the big four point play the Sun Devils went into half time with a comfortable 36-19 lead.
Sophomore Kianna Ibis helped her team on 9-2 run early in the third quarter, as she completed back-to-back jumpers.
Later in the third quarter, Haines pushed the ball on the fast break and found freshman Robii Ryan for a layup. Ryan was fouled and would complete the free throw to give the team the 51-30 lead.
The Sun Devils opened up the final quarter on an 11-0 run and sophomore Charnea Johnson-Chapman scoring a put-back layup.
The 11-0 run would be broken by Boston University as sophomore guard Lauren Spearman made a layup.
Late in the fourth quarter, Richardson stole the ball from a Terrier and sprinted down the court for a layup, while putting up her team 66-36.
The Sun Devils closed out the final quarter strong and walked away with their fourth victory of the season.
Player of the Game: Quinn Dornstauder
Early in the contest, Dornstauder established her presence inside. The senior center scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds.
The Sun Devils scored 38 points in the paint.
Biggest Concern:
Although the Sun Devils dominated this game their offense was not fluid when facing the zone defense. There were many possessions were ASU nearly received a shot clock violation. Many times the Sun Devils had to jack up long jumpers late in the possession to even get a shot off.
Also, Boston University managed to make the Sun Devils turnover the ball 18 times.
Stat of the Night: 30
The Sun Devils stuck close to their DNA and played tough defense. ASU scored 30 points off their opponent’s turnovers.
What’s Next?
ASU will take on the winner of the Long Beach State and Florida game Sunday at 2:00 p.m. You can catch the game on the Pac-12 Digital Stream.
