ASU Women’s Basketball: Sun Devils struggle offensively in loss to Utah

In an offensive struggle for the Arizona State women’s basketball team (8-4, 4-4 Pac-12), the Utah Utes (4-9, 3-9) defeated the Sun Devils 65-51.

Throughout the first three quarters, the Sun Devils only scored 28 points compared to Utah’s 49. ASU’s offense finally picked up in the fourth quarter though, scoring 23 points.

Utah’s Kemery Martín led the Utes with 25 points. Sophomore guard Brynna Maxwell had 11 points and four rebounds as well. Freshman forward Peyton McFarland recorded six points and 10 rebounds.

“We left her [Martín] open for a lot of her shots,” Jaddan Simmons said. “That was mainly on us. We let her get hot, which we know we can’t ever do again.”

For the Sun Devils, Simmons led the team with 13 points, while Eboni Walker had 10 points and six rebounds.

Shooting was a big issue for ASU throughout the contest, as they went 19-61 from the field (31%), while Utah went 23-45 (51%).

Looking ahead to weekend against USC and UCLA, coach Charli Turner Thorne has a lot that she wants to focus on in practice this upcoming week.

“Offense, efficiency, going hard, rebounding,” said Turner Thorne of the adjustments.

ASU takes on UCLA Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:00 p.m. MST and USC Sunday, Jan. 31 at 2:00 p.m. MST.

“We’re going to try our best to bounce back next game,” Walker said. “Just continue to get better throughout the season and make sure we end on a strong note and not have another day like this.”