(Photo via Max Zepeda/WCSN)
On the hunt for a 4-0 start to the season, Arizona State women’s basketball took on New Mexico in hopes of finding its fourth straight win in Albuquerque.
Despite the unwavering efforts from New Mexico’s stellar frontcourt-backcourt combination of senior guard LaTora Duff and senior forward Shaiquel McGruder, the Sun Devils managed to fend off the Lobos, 83-77, in overtime to stay undefeated while dropping New Mexico to 1-3.
Free throws decided the game down the stretch, as the Sun Devils went 22-for-26 from the charity stripe while New Mexico could only capitalize on 13 of its 20 attempted foul shots.
It was a tale of two halves for ASU, who started the game shooting an efficient 46.7% clip from the field in addition to going 5-for-11 from beyond the arc.
Junior guard Tyi Skinner seemingly couldn’t miss, scoring 16 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including nine points from long range.
Yet while ASU’s offense found its rhythm, the defense lagged behind.
After a 7-0 ASU run to start the second quarter, New Mexico found success by pushing the pace. The Lobos were consistent in their speedy pursuit, resulting in 23 points off fast breaks on Sunday afternoon. New Mexico’s ability to put up points by running the floor allowed itself to enter halftime down by just three points.
In the second half, the Lobos made adjustments to shut down Skinner and open up offensive opportunities for itself. After having zero and four points at the half, Duff and McGruder put New Mexico’s offense on their back, finishing the game with 13 and 24 points, respectively.
Both players also recorded double-doubles, with McGruder hustling for 10 boards and Duff making flashy passes for 10 assists while also scooping up five rebounds.
In the third quarter, an 11-0 New Mexico run that lasted nearly five minutes gave the Lobos their first lead of the night, which they wouldn’t relinquish until the 4:33 mark in overtime.
With Skinner coming back down to Earth, ASU’s scoring efficiency dropped significantly, as the Sun Devils shot just 29.4% from the field and 20% from three-point range in the second half.
The Sun Devils found a way to break out of their slump near the end of the fourth quarter, with junior guard Jaddan Simmons hitting a crucial three-point shot with a veteran’s demeanor to tie the game with 1:15 left.
Skinner slowly heated back up midway through the fourth quarter and would finish her day with 24 points, including the game-tying layup that sent Sunday’s matinee to an extra period.
Once overtime hit, the Sun Devils managed to find their defense, keeping New Mexico stagnant at just 1-for-8 from the field.
Simmons once again showed her reliability, taking redshirt senior guard Amaya Brown to the hoop on a baseline drive and finishing through contact to permanently give ASU the lead.
While the Lobos may have dominated with transition points, the Sun Devils prevailed in the rebound battle, wrangling in 53 to New Mexico’s 34. ASU’s dominant advantage on the glass was evident on offense, as 19 of its rebounds came on offensive possessions and led to 19 second-chance points.
Despite the challenge, the Sun Devils remain clean on the season heading into the Goombay Splash Tournament where they will face American and No. 9 Notre Dame in the Bahamas.
