Skinner’s career night propels ASU to narrow victory in season opener

(Photo credit: Aishling Cavanaugh/WCSN)

TEMPE — With Desert Financial Arena buzzing, Arizona State found itself in a tight spot in its season opener. Though they went into halftime up 39-34, the Sun Devils quickly saw that lead slip away in the third quarter. With just four minutes left in the period, they had fallen behind by eight points. The crowd held its breath as Jacksonville State seemed poised to take control, this was until Tyi Skinner took matters into her own hands.

The graduate guard launched a momentum-shifting 8-0 run, sinking two crucial 3-pointers that brought the ASU faithful to their feet, erupting as each shot found the net. Skinner’s heroics helped erase the deficit and propelled ASU back in front of the Gamecocks.

Arizona State (1-0) ended up securing the 74-66 victory over Jacksonville State (0-1), largely thanks to a milestone performance from Skinner. She delivered a career-high 30 points, showcasing her sharpshooting ability by hitting an impressive 5-of-6 shots from beyond the arc.

“I just think having a dominant player in Tyi, a veteran in Tyi, a leader in Tyi, I mean, it’s just something every team in the country wants,” Arizona State head coach Natasha Adair said. “She just makes others around her better.”

Even with heroics from Skinner, the Sun Devils still left room for improvement from tonight’s performance. Given that three of their five starters are new to the program via the transfer portal, it makes sense that the Sun Devils’ on-court chemistry is still under construction.

This was especially evident on the defensive end, where lapses in communication sometimes left the team vulnerable. A glaring example of this was the nearly 30 3-point opportunities surrendered to the Gamecocks, showcasing the need for improved communication and awareness on defense.

“We’re just gonna keep getting better at our defense, keep getting better at our defensive rotations,” Adair said. “We have to be more disciplined on the defensive end.”

Despite struggling to find their footing defensively throughout the game, the Sun Devils truly turned it around during the fourth quarter, holding the Gamecocks to just six points. This late-game surge was crucial for ASU’s success, and junior forward Kennedy Basham was instrumental in this effort.

While she recorded four blocks on the night, her impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. Standing at 6-foot-7, Basham’s presence in the paint was felt as she provided crucial help defensively, disrupting Jacksonville State’s offensive flow and intimidating shooters. Her ability to alter shots and protect the rim played a significant role in solidifying ASU’s defense when it mattered most.

In a night that included a record performance from Skinner and defensive struggles that lingered all game, this season opener provided a valuable opportunity for growth and reflection for the Sun Devils. With one win under their belt, Arizona State can build on this victory as it embarks on a long season ahead.

The team will have the chance to improve and integrate its new players, with its next challenge coming Friday night against Arkansas State at home. This matchup will be another important step in establishing identity and cohesion as a team, setting the stage for what the Sun Devils hope will be an exciting season of Arizona State women’s basketball.