(Photo: Eliav Gabay/WCSN)
The Arizona State women’s basketball team broke away in the third quarter, building a double-digit lead and never looked back,winning 71-52 against Colorado Sunday in Boulder.
The Sun Devils opened efficiently, jumping out to a furious 10-2 lead with four different players getting on the board. The early lead would not last long however, as the Buffaloes stormed back to tie the game as the first quarter came to a close.
The Buffaloes played their patented “amoeba” zone defense, and it gave the Sun Devils some troubles. ASU shot only 4-14 from the field in the first quarter and failed to get in a rhythm after its opening burst.
The Sun Devils adjusted, responding to the Colorado charge with a run of its own and taking a double digit lead.
Nearly all of ASU’s scoring opportunities came inside the paint, and the Sun Devils took advantage as well as initiating contact and scoring easy points at the charity stripe.
ASU lead 36-28 at the end of twenty minutes thanks to a balanced effort. Senior forward Sophie Brunner led the way with 10 points while senior center Quinn Dornstauder and freshman guard Relli Richardson both had seven.
Just as they did in the first half, the Sun Devils started strong, opening the third quarter on a 7-0 run. ASU extended their lead to as much as twenty points in the the third, looking very much like the superior team.
Much of the Sun Devil’s scoring came off transition chances after careless play from the Buffaloes.
The fourth quarter brought along no changes in trends, as the Sun Devils weathered any potential Colorado streak and closed out the game on top.
Player of the Game: Sophie Bruner. The veteran scorer lead the way with 16 points and eight boards.
Biggest Concern: The Sun Devils played one of their most complete games of the year, however 19 turnovers is too many for a championship caliber squad.
Stat of the Night: 17. Second chance points became a priority as the Sun Devils crashed the boards, snagging 17 offensive rebounds.
What’s Next: The now 12-3 Sun Devils will play host to Washington State on Friday in Tempe at 11:00 AM MST. The game can be viewed online via ASU livestream.
