ASU Women’s Basketball: Sun Devils still in the hunt

(Photo: Nicole Hernandez/WCSN)

Behind a huge game from the senior center Quinn Dornstauder the No.8 seeded Arizona State Women’s Basketball team will advance to the round of 32 as they defeated the No. 9 seed Michigan State Spartans 73-61.

The Sun Devils came out the gate hot going on a 13-2 run in the last 4:18 of the first quarter solidifying a 16-8 lead.

ASU controlled the game from that point on, as there was only one lead change.

The Sun Devils lead 24-10 after one quarter.

ASU had a balanced attack, nine of the 11 players who saw action on Friday scored at least on basket.

Four of the five starters combined for 53 points, as each of them scored in double digits.

“I’m really proud of our team,” head coach Charli Turner Thorne said. “ I thought we really put it together today. This is the first time that we’ve been fully healthy since November.”

The Sun Devils almost shot 50 percent from the filed, including cashing in on eight three pointers.

Heading into half time the Arizona State was ahead 42-20.

The team was outstanding on defense, flying all over the floor, causing their opponent to turn the ball over 17 times.

Capitalizing off the turnovers, the Sun Devils scored 22 points off the Spartans miscues.

“The advantage for us with our defense is when people haven’t seen us play before, and I thought if we played a team a second time, they would have adjusted because Suzy Merchant is an amazing coach,” Turner Thorne said.

Michigan State came into this match up averaging 73.3 points per game and the Sun Devils locked down holding them to 12 points under their average.

Scoring 30 points in paint, the Sun Devils were constantly penetrating into the lane finding easy shots.

Player of the game: Quinn Dornstauder

The senior forward played a big role Friday night, recording a team high 16 points on six field goals in just 24 minutes. Dornstauder was a perfect six-for-six from against the Spartans. 

Stat of the day: 18

Arizona State received 18 usually bench points and that they were essential because the team struggles to find scoring outside of their seniors.

Biggest concern: 75 percent

Although the Sun Devils played a great game they shot 75 percent from the charity stripe. This is a number that can’t drop during tournament time, as free throws are so important. 

What’s next?

The Sun Devils will face off against the No. 1 seed South Carolina on Sunday.

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