Bruins expose weaknesses in Sun Devil defense

(Photo via Sam Polgreen)

TEMPE — Arizona State women’s basketball came up short against a powerhouse in No. 8 UCLA on Thursday night but had one of the best starts it’s had had all season. The Sun Devils ended the first quarter down 17-13 and held their own on the defensive end.

Head coach Natasha Adair and her staff came out with a stellar game plan to start the first, which gave the Bruins’ dynamic offense some trouble. It started inside-out for the Sun Devils, as the name of the game was to stop 6-foot-7 sophomore center Lauren Betts.

“We were obviously bringing the double team and making her catch it off the block because if she gets deep it is just Mikan,” Adair said.

The Sun Devils were able to turn defense into offense, pushing the ball well in transition off of rebounds and turnovers, as well as staying aggressive on the offensive end and putting pressure on the rim.

ASU’s struggles began when UCLA utilized its depth and changed lineups in the second quarter. The Sun Devils weren’t able to adjust to the change of speed, and they let the Bruins’ guards take control of the pace of the game.

The Bruins’ stellar guard play allowed their posts to find a rhythm. Throughout the game the Sun Devils got demolished on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 52-24. They also gave up 44 points in the paint.

“We just talked and there were just extra effort plays,” Adair said. “I know in some instances six-seven is six-seven, but physicality, doing your work early, being aggressive, being on time in rotations … our first shot defense is really good but then they get an offensive rebound, then percentages go up, then a second or a third then percentages go up, and so you can’t give teams second or third opportunities around the rim to finish. And so that’s where we have to be more physical and more in pursuit of boxing out. … We’ve got to play harder.”

UCLA’s veteranship really showed in the second half, executing plays as well as taking good shots and playing sound defense. The Bruins moved the ball at an elite level, finishing with 17 assists.

“That team was firing on all cylinders today,” Adair said. “Their leadership, they’re veterans, they’re experienced and deep. And so I think there were moments that were exposed for us.”