ASU WBB: Sun Devils edge California 80-71

The Sun Devils outlasted the California Golden Bears thanks with the help of forward Kianna Ibis contributing 26 points and six rebounds. ASU obtained the victory with a final score of 80-71.

Arizona State (12-3, 3-0) and Cal (10-4, 1-2) were evenly matched for most of the game, even though ASU kept the lead for 38 minutes. Cal edged the Sun Devils in points in the paint with 46 and had two players with 20-plus points. Cal’s Asha Thomas and Kristine Anigwe kept the Golden Bears on Arizona State’s tail the entire way through.

However, ASU forced Cal to turn the ball over 11 times through the course of the game to give them the advantage they needed. Arizona State only gave up four turnovers and converted on many of their offensive opportunities, which is one of the reasons they didn’t fall behind in this matchup.

Although California kept up in the rebounds, field goals and assists, Arizona State found ways to be elusive and execute on crucial possessions. The key factor in ASU’s win over Cal was its passing ability. The Sun Devils distributed the ball with excellence, managing 23 assists on the night.

Heading into the fourth quarter, ASU accelerated the entire way through to finish the contest strong against their Pac-12 competitor.

Arizona State will look forward toward their next matchup with Stanford ay 2:00 p.m. MST Sunday.