Arizona State Women’s Basketball Delivers Dominant Defensive Performance to Bounce Back in Big 12 Action
Photo by Kris Chaney
TEMPE, Ariz. The Arizona State Sun Devils women’s basketball team returned to form with a convincing 67-51 win over the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe. Led by standout performances from Heloisa Carrera (22 points, 7 rebounds) and Gabby Elliott (20 points, 4 rebounds), ASU capitalized on a stifling defense that forced 24 Kansas turnovers while securing 12 steals and 8 blocks. The Sun Devils overcame a sluggish start from beyond the arc (2-of-17 on three-pointers) by dominating the glass (37-27 rebounding edge) and converting at the free-throw line (21-of-25). Kansas struggled offensively, shooting just 38% from the field and committing costly mistakes, with Jaliya Davis and Regan Williams each scoring 11 points in the loss. This victory improves ASU’s record to 17-2 overall and 3-2 in Big 12 play, highlighting their resilience after a recent road setback.
Game Flow
Game stats – ESPN
The game unfolded as a tale of early parity followed by ASU’s steady assertion of control, with the Sun Devils pulling away in the second half through superior rebounding (17 offensive boards leading to second-chance opportunities) and points off turnovers (21-13 edge).
First Quarter: The opening period was a back-and-forth affair, ending in a 13-13 tie. Kansas won the jump ball and traded blows with ASU, including a technical foul on KU’s Sania Copeland that led to two free throws by Gabby Elliott. Key plays included Jaliya Davis’ and-one layup for Kansas and Heloisa Carrera’s free throws to keep ASU close. Lead changes occurred multiple times, with neither team building more than a four-point advantage. Turnovers plagued both sides early, but ASU’s Marley Washenitz contributed with steals, while Kansas’ Davis added blocks and steals to stay competitive.
Second Quarter: ASU found their rhythm, outscoring Kansas 27-16 to take a 40-29 lead into halftime. The Sun Devils ramped up their defensive pressure, forcing several turnovers that translated into transition scoring (9 fast-break points overall for ASU). Carrera and Elliott combined for efficient scoring inside, while Kansas’ offense stalled with poor shot selection and ball-handling errors. This quarter marked ASU’s biggest run, pulling ahead by double digits for the first time.
Third Quarter: The Sun Devils extended their advantage, outscoring the Jayhawks 15-14 to lead 55-43 entering the final period. ASU continued to dominate the boards, grabbing offensive rebounds for putbacks, and their blocks disrupted Kansas’ interior attacks. Kansas showed flashes with three-pointers from players like Lilly Meister, but turnovers (totaling 24 for the game) prevented any sustained comeback.
Fourth Quarter: ASU sealed the win with a 12-8 scoring edge, maintaining composure down the stretch. Free throws were crucial, as the Sun Devils went 21-of-25 overall, including key makes from Carrera (10-of-12). Kansas couldn’t mount a rally, hampered by fouls and inefficient shooting (4-of-20 from three), allowing ASU to coast to the 16-point final margin.
Game stats – ESPN
Game stats – ESPN
Clutch Performances & Key Moments
Heloisa Carrera was the game’s MVP, notching a double-double threat with 22 points on 6-of-7 shooting and 7 rebounds, plus 2 blocks and a steal—her efficient scoring and presence in the paint (ASU edged Kansas 32-30 in points inside) proved pivotal. Gabby Elliott delivered in clutch spots, scoring 20 points despite 1-of-6 from three, including a pullup jumper in the first quarter that gave ASU a brief lead. On defense, Marley Washenitz stood out with 4 steals and 3 blocks, while the team’s 8 total blocks disrupted Kansas’ rhythm. A key moment came in the second quarter when ASU turned a series of Kansas turnovers into a 10-2 run, establishing the double-digit lead they never relinquished. Kansas’ perfect 9-of-9 free-throw shooting couldn’t offset their 24 turnovers, which ASU converted into 21 points.
What This Means for ASU
This win provides a crucial bounce-back after the Sun Devils’ 77-46 loss at No. 13 TCU on January 11, reaffirming their status as a Big 12 contender with a 17-2 overall record and 3-2 in conference play. The defensive masterclass of holding Kansas to 38% shooting and forcing more turnovers than assists, 24-10, highlights ASU’s identity as a gritty, opportunistic squad capable of winning even when their three-point shooting falters (12% in this game). It boosts momentum heading into a tough road stretch, potentially improving their seeding in the Big 12 tournament and strengthening their NCAA Tournament resume.
What to Watch
Keep an eye on ASU’s frontcourt duo of Carrera and Elliott, who combined for 42 points and 11 rebounds against Kansas. Their ability to score efficiently inside will be key against stronger interior defenses. The Sun Devils’ turnover-forcing defense (12 steals, 8 blocks) remains a strength, but improving three-point accuracy (just 2-of-17) could make them unstoppable. Also important to note, as Head Coach Molly Miller addressed, scoring only 9 points off of the 24 turnovers they forced counteracts the work of forcing the turnover. Forcing the turnover is half the battle, finishing on the other end is the other half. Also watch Marley Washenitz‘s all-around impact; her 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks show how she has established herself as a versatile glue player.
Up Next for ASU
The Sun Devils hit the road to face West Virginia on Wednesday, January 21, in Morgantown—a challenging Big 12 matchup against a Mountaineers team known for physical play. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. MST.
— Kris Chaney, Women’s Basketball Journalist, The Best Damn W Show
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