ASU Women’s Basketball: Sun Devils fall just short in two-point loss against No. 10 UCLA

After a tough loss in its Pac-12 opener, the Arizona State Sun Devils (10-4, 0-2 Pac-12) headed to Pauley Pavilion to face to the No. 10 UCLA Bruins (13-0, 2-0 Pac-12) on Friday night.

Despite making a comeback and keeping things close after a rocky start, the Sun Devils fell short 68-66 at the hands of the Bruins.

Senior guard Robbi Ryan put the first points up for the team, keeping things at 2-2, but things went south after that. The Bruins went on a 11-0 run, giving them a 13-2 lead with five minutes left in the first quarter.

However, the Sun Devils managed to gain some stops and muster some points to pull within five at the end of the first quarter.

ASU continued to try and find its rhythm in the second quarter, and were able to cut the Bruins’ lead to two points halfway through. They went into the locker room down 37-33 after a rugged beginning.

The score remained close during the third quarter and each team regained the lead multiple times throughout. Things were all tied up at 56 heading into the final 10 minutes of play.

The fourth quarter mirrored the third quarter with both teams keeping it close, and the game was tied with two minutes remaining.

UCLA senior guard Japreece Dean then hit a 3-pointer, giving UCLA a 68-65 lead.

Despite a late free throw by senior guard Kiara Russell, the Sun Devils failed to capitalize on many opportunities in the final minute of the game, keeping the Bruins undefeated. ASU had the ball in the team’s final possession, but just couldn’t get the bucket they were searching for.

Ryan led the team with 17 points, with senior forward Ja’Tavia Tapley adding 10 points and seven rebounds. Five other Sun Devils also scored.

ASU will continue to look for its first Pac-12 win on Sunday night at USC.