Sun Devils Show Grit, Complete Rivalry Sweep with Overtime Win Over Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz. - It took every ounce of fight, a clutch jumper with seconds left, and a fearless overtime surge, but Arizona State women’s basketball walked out of Tucson with something they hadn’t claimed in years - a regular season sweep of their in-state rival. The Sun Devils’ 75-69 overtime win over Arizona on Saturday wasn’t just dramatic; it was a statement.
For the first time since 2018, ASU claimed both games in the rivalry series, and they did it with heart, resilience, and a short-handed roster that refused to back down - even when trailing by four points with under a minute to go in regulation.
Let’s break down how the Sun Devils pulled off one of their grittiest wins of the season.
Clutch in the Chaos
ASU (21-6, 8-6 Big 12) found itself in a familiar situation - another tight contest in a rivalry game. The first meeting in Tempe saw the Sun Devils turn a one-point edge into a seven-point win. This time, it took overtime and a whole lot of poise.
Down 61-57 with 40 seconds to play, ASU leaned on the steady hands of Gabby Elliott, who calmly knocked down two free throws to cut the deficit in half. Then, after a big defensive stop and a rebound from Deborah Davenport, it was McKinna Brackens’ moment. With just 3.3 seconds on the clock, Brackens rose up from just inside the free throw line and buried the jumper to tie it at 61-61, sending the game to overtime and silencing the McKale Center crowd.
In the extra session, ASU outscored Arizona 14-8 - doing so without three key players, including Last-Tear Poa (injured) and two others who fouled out in regulation. But even short-handed, the Sun Devils had enough firepower - and composure - to close the deal.
Brackens and Elliott Deliver When It Matters Most
McKinna Brackens was the heartbeat of the Sun Devils’ offense in this one. She finished with 24 points, including 19 in the second half and overtime.
Her clutch gene was on full display - from the game-tying jumper to her relentless drives and defensive activity. Brackens also added seven boards, four assists, and three steals in a complete performance.
Gabby Elliott, battling through pain after an early injury and a late-game hit to the head, showed once again why she’s the team’s emotional and scoring leader. She poured in 22 points - her ninth 20-point game of the season - and hit four of ASU’s eight three-pointers. After missing her first three free throws, Elliott knocked down a pair of must-have shots late in regulation and hit a huge triple in overtime to spark the Sun Devils’ closing run.
Elliott has now scored in double figures after halftime in four straight games, averaging 14.3 points in the second half during that stretch. She’s been a closer, plain and simple.
Role Players Stepping Up Big
With Poa sidelined, freshman Jyah LoVett stepped into the starting lineup and didn’t flinch. She scored nine points, tied for the game-high with six assists, and grabbed four rebounds - all while playing with the poise of a veteran.
Heloisa Carrera brought the energy on the glass, posting her third double-double of the season with 10 points and a career-best 11 rebounds. Her five offensive boards matched Arizona’s team total - a testament to her relentless motor. She’s now logged two double-doubles against the Wildcats this season.
And don’t overlook Deborah Davenport, who came off the bench and made her presence felt with five points and seven rebounds, including that crucial late-game board that set up Brackens’ game-tying shot.
Game Flow and Key Stats
This one was a back-and-forth battle from the jump - nine ties, nine lead changes, and momentum swings that kept both fanbases on edge.
- ASU hit eight threes, their second-highest total of the season, building on the seven they made in their win over Utah earlier in the week.
- The Sun Devils won the battle on the boards, 40-32, with all seven of their offensive rebounds coming in the second half.
- Arizona shot a scorching 64% in the first quarter, but ASU flipped the script with a strong defensive second quarter, holding the Wildcats to just 29% shooting.
- The teams were tied 30-30 at halftime - the first time all season ASU has gone into the break even.
ASU’s third-quarter run turned a four-point deficit into a four-point lead, capped by Elliott’s deep three. They held a 52-49 edge heading into the fourth, and while Arizona mounted a 10-0 run late to reclaim the lead, ASU’s late-game execution - and defensive toughness - proved to be the difference.
A Season of Firsts and Flashbacks
This win wasn’t just about bragging rights - it marked several milestones for the Sun Devils:
- First win in Tucson since Feb. 18, 2018.
- First regular season sweep of Arizona since that same 2017-18 season, when ASU beat the Wildcats three times, including in the Pac-12 Tournament.
- Head coach Molly Miller now holds the record for most wins by a first-year head coach in program history, with 21 and counting.
- ASU has now won seven road games - matching its highest total since the 2018-19 season.
- The Sun Devils are 6-2 in games decided by five points or less or in overtime, showing a team that’s learning how to close out tight games with confidence.
And when it comes to overtime, ASU has been stifling on defense. In two OT games this season - wins at Oregon State and now Arizona - they’ve held opponents to just 23.5% shooting (4-for-17). That’s lockdown defense when it matters most.
What’s Next
With momentum on their side and a rivalry sweep in their pocket, the Sun Devils are starting to resemble a team that could make some serious noise down the stretch. They’ve got the leadership, the grit, and the ability to win in different ways - whether it’s a shootout, a grind-it-out defensive battle, or a comeback thriller like this one.
Elliott and Brackens continue to be one of the most potent scoring duos on the road, combining for nearly 36 points per game away from home. And if the supporting cast keeps stepping up like they did in Tucson, this ASU squad might just be getting started.
For now, they’ll savor this one - a rivalry win that took everything they had and more.