Would most people have expected No. 19 ASU (12-5, 3-3) to win this game against No. 5 Oregon (16-1, 5-0)? Probably not.
Would most people have additionally expected that the Devils would only lose by six, and a hold a team well under its per game scoring average? That is what ASU was able to accomplish tonight.
The Devils lost their weekend opener to the Ducks 77-71 Friday night in Eugene, OR.
It was another strong performance for senior forward Kianna Ibis, who scored 22 points and collected eight rebounds. Joining her, senior center Charnea Johnson-Chapman had 10 points and nine rebounds - just one shy of a double-double.
Despite two front-runners in the scoring category, this was a team effort. The Devils continued to have control of the rebounding game, with 36 total boards compared to the Ducks 31.
Though the Devils have more rotation players, their bench outscored the Ducks 25 to 6. Junior forward Jamie Ruden scored 12 of the 25 on eight shots.
In the end, the Ducks were just better on the floor; led by junior guard Sabrina Ionescu, who had 31 points.
It’s a quick turnaround, but a much more manageable matchup for the Devils on Sunday. They travel to Corvallis and will take on No. 10 Oregon State (15-2, 5-0). The Beavers are coming off a victory over Arizona 86-64.
The game will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Network and can be heard on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060.