ASU Women’s Basketball: No. 21 Sun Devils survive against Colorado

For the first time this season, the No. 21 Arizona State Sun Devils (19-8, 9-6 Pac-12) faced the Colorado Buffaloes (15-11, 4-11).

It was another game for the Sun Devils that came down to the wire, a familiar sight for the team, but a late rally in the fourth quarter helped them secure a 65-59 victory.

Senior guard Robbi Ryan got things started for the Sun Devils, with an early three. The Buffaloes jumped out to a 9-5 lead until the Sun Devils answered, with senior guard Reili Richardson put in a three pointer to cut down the lead.

Despite tying things up at 10 late in the first quarter, the Buffs were able to pull away with a 18-12 lead.

But the second quarter was all Sun Devils. They started to find their groove, offensively and defensively. The maroon and gold got things rolling, outscoring the Buffs 21-7 and shooting 75 percent from the field. They went on a 7-0 run to end the quarter and went into halftime up 33-27.

In the third quarter, both teams shot 50 percent from the field, while the Buffs outscored the Sun Devils 20-12, hitting a three pointer at the end to give them a 47-45 lead.

With five minutes remaining, things weren’t looking like they were leaning in the Sun Devils favor as they trailed 51-47. But they weren’t going down without a fight, going on a 6-0 run to tie things up with three minutes left. The Sun Devils continued to add on points, and never looked back capturing their third straight victory.

Richardson and senior forward Ja’Tavia Tapley had 16 points a piece, with Ryan ending the night with 15. The Sun Devils shot 63 percent behind the arc and 52 percent from the field.

ASU will face the Utah Utes for the first time this season Sunday at 12 p.m. MST.