TEMPE, Ariz. – The Arizona State Sun Devils (18-9, 9-6 Pac-12) used a huge third quarter to pull away from the Arizona Wildcats (6-20, 2-13 Pac-12) and eventually came out on top by a score of 75-50 on Friday night in Wells Fargo Arena. Robbi Ryan led the Sun Devils with a game-high 24 points.
Defense has been Arizona State’s calling card all season, and tonight was no different as Arizona turned the ball over 23 times. On the offensive end, the Sun Devils shot 56% and outscored the Wildcats 40-22 in the paint.
For Arizona, JaLea Bennett scored a team-high 16 points and Kat Wright scored in double figures for the first time since Jan. 19 as she poured in 13 of her own.
ASU got out to a quick 11-4 lead in the first quarter, but Arizona would respond with a 12-5 run and shoot 64% to have things all knotted up after one. The second quarter was more of a defensive struggle as the two teams scored just 18 combined points. The Sun Devils would take a four-point lead into halftime, with the score being 27-23.
Arizona State extended their lead to double figures in the third quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 52-38 and at one point scored 17 straight. In the third quarter alone, Arizona State shot 69% while holding to 11% shooting. Arizona shot well in the fourth quarter (64%), but it wasn’t enough as the Sun Devils were able to maintain their comfortable lead throughout.
Round two of the Arizona-Arizona State series will be on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m. MST in McKale Center.
