(Photo: Sun Devil Athletics)
In classic Arizona State fashion, the Sun Devils rode some late-game heroics by Sophie Brunner and Promise Amukamara to spoil USC’s senior night with a 76-73 victory in double-overtime.
The Trojans have come on strong as of late, winning four of their last five before this game, but just weren’t able to finish off Arizona State in extra time. The Sun Devils came out locked in, shooting 57.7% en route to a 37-point first half.
The second half, however, was a different story entirely. Arizona State managed to extend their lead to as much as 10 early on, but USC responded with seven straight made field goals to get them back into the game. Alexyz Vaioletama, one of USC’s two seniors, was the key player for the Trojans on senior night with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
The two teams went back and forth over the last 10:00 of the game, neither giving an inch, leaving ASU with the final possession of regulation. Down 64-62, the Sun Devils inbounded the ball and moved it around the arc until Elisha Davis was able to find Brunner in the low post, allowing Brunner to send in the shot that forced overtime.
USC opened the first overtime period with a big three-pointer, but five extra minutes weren’t enough as both teams battled to a 70-70 tie.
In the second overtime, both teams fought hard, but Arizona State’s trademark defense and a few key baskets from Promise Amukamara fueled the Sun Devils to a win.
The victory moves Arizona State to 24-4 overall and 13-3 in conference play and also keeps them in contention for a share of the Pac-12 regular season title with Oregon State, albeit a long-shot.
The loss snaps a two-game winning streak for USC and drops their record to 15-12 overall with a 7-9 mark in conference play.
Player of the Game: Promise Amukamara
Amukamara was sensational for Arizona State tonight, pouring in a game-high 20 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. Amukamara displayed great efficiency, shooting 9/14 from the floor and hitting shots in clutch moments. In the second overtime period, she hit back-to-back attempts including a jumper to give Arizona State a 74-73 lead that they would not relinquish. The lone senior on the team has showed up all season long and was definitely the player of the game tonight.
Stat of the Night: 49.3%
Arizona State, normally known for their defensive prowess, had an incredible night offensively, shooting 49.3% from the field. The Sun Devils shot 57.7% in the first half allowing them to build an early lead and to recover from a less than stellar second half performance. If Arizona State can keep up these kind of performances on offense, they’ll be a significantly more dangerous tournament team.
What’s Next:
The Sun Devils will return home to take on the Utah Utes in Wells Fargo Arena Friday in Tempe. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m.
