THE GAMES: 2024 Music City Classic – Sun Devil WBB (3-2) vs. No. 14 Kentucky (5-0) and South Dakota (2-4)
WHEN: vs. Kentucky on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. MST and vs. South Dakota on Wednesday at 10 a.m. MST.
WHERE: Trojan Fieldhouse • Nashville, Tenn.
WATCH: BALLERtv (pay-per-view streaming platform)
RADIO: Tuesday on KDUS AM 1060 (pregame at 2 p.m. MST) and KAZG 1440 AM on Wednesday (pregame at 9:30 a.m. MST).
LIVE STATS: vs. Kentucky and vs. South Dakota
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team (3-2) begins what figures to be its most challenging stretch of the season when it travels to Nashville, Tenn., for the Coast 2 Coast Music City Classic where it will face No. 14 and unbeaten Kentucky (5-0) on Tuesday (3:30 p.m. CST/2:30 p.m. MST) and South Dakota on Wednesday (11 a.m. CST/10 a.m. MST).
For the Sun Devils, the game vs. Kentucky will be the first of seven consecutive in which it will be on the road for either a neutral site contest (three games) or as the away team in a true road game (four games). Eight days after Wednesday's game, the Sun Devils will be in Baltimore to take on Coppin State (Dec. 5) followed by a third neutral site game vs. Maryland Eastern Shore in the Coaches vs Racism Classic in Washington D.C. (Dec. 7).
After visits to Music City, Baltimore, Md., and the nation's capital, ASU will take an extended break for final exams before once again leaving the state of Arizona for road games at UC Davis (Dec. 15), at San Francisco (Dec. 17) and at Utah (Dec. 21). The contest at Utah will be ASU's first ever Big 12 Conference game.
The Sun Devils return to play in Tempe on Dec. 30 when they host Penn at Mullett Arena, Sun Devil Women's Basketball's inaugural appearance in SDA's newest on-campus Multi-Purpose Arena. Two days later, ASU will take on Texas Tech in its first ever home game as a member of the Big 12 Conference.
ASU is coming off consecutive wins over SMU (80-73 on Nov. 16) and former Pac-12 foe Oregon State (79-60 on Nov. 17) in the annual Briann January Classic.
WATCH/LISTEN
• This week's games can be seen BALLERtv (a pay-per-view service).
• Tuesday's game can be heard on KDUS AM 1060. Pregame coverage will begin at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, 1440 KAZG will be carrying the broadcast with pregame beginning at 9:30 a.m. Veteran broadcaster and the state of Arizona's 2010 & 2019 Broadcaster of the Year Jeff Munn is in his 21st season as the voice of ASU women's basketball.
SERIES NOTES
Kentucky: Each team won an overtime game on the opposition's home court in a home-and-home series in 2015-16. Kentucky claimed a 68-64 (OT) win in the 2015-16 season opener. The Sun Devils returned the favor – 73-71 (OT) – the following year in Lexington in a contest that was played in front of 13,225 at UK's legendary Rupp Arena.
South Dakota: Wednesday's contest will be the first ever meeting between the Sun Devils and Coyotes.
STATE OF PLAY
The Sun Devils (3-2), who have eight new players on this season's roster, have experienced the ups and downs that can sometimes go with combining the talents of several outstanding players in the early stages of the season.
ASU opened the 2024-25 campaign with a 74-66 win over Jacksonville State (Nov. 4). In her first game since the end of the 2022-23 season, Tyi Skinner, who missed the entire 2023-24 season due to injury, scored a career-high 30 points to go with a team-high five assists. Jalyn Brown just missed scoring in double figures with 9 points to go with 6 boards. Two of the newest members of the team – local product Kennedy Basham (8 points, game-high 10 rebounds, 4 blocks) and Nevaeh Parkinson (8 points) – combined for 16 points.
Despite scoring 96 points – the most scored by ASU during head coach Natasha Adair's time at ASU – the Sun Devils were edged in a 100-96 decision to Arkansas State (Nov. 8). Five players scored in double figure against the Red Wolves: Brown (24 points), Parkinson (18 points), Skinner (16 points), Basham (14 points) and Kennedy Fauntleroy (13 points).
The Sun Devils played three games in four days between Nov. 14-17. The stretch started with a 70-59 loss against Grand Canyon in the Hall of Fame Series played at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. ASU led by as many as 12 in the first half and went to the locker room with a nine-point advantage, 42-33. Unfortunately for ASU, it experienced a 180-degree turnaround on both ends of the floor as it was outscored 37-17 over the final 20 minutes.
The Sun Devils bounced back with consecutive wins over SMU (80-73 on Nov. 16) and former Pac-12 foe Oregon State (79-60 on Nov. 17). Against SMU, Skinner (26 points) and Brown (25 points) both came through with marquee performances as the duo combined for 51 points. In its win over Oregon State the following day, ASU recorded opponent season lows for points (60), field goals (19), 3-point field goals (3) and 3-point field goal percentage (13.4) and had season highs in shot blocks (eight), turnovers forced (19) and points scored off turnovers (26) in what added up to ASU's largest margin of victory this season. Skinner scored 20 or more points for the third time this season (21 points/8-11 FGs, 4-4 FTs), Brown had 12 points (5-8 FGs) and Basham and Jazion Jackson had identical double-doubles (10 points, 10 rebounds) in the win.
DYNAMIC DUO DEBUT
The 2023-24 Sun Devils were dealt a serious blow when it was announced a month before the start of the season that superstar guard Tyi Skinner would miss the entire season due to a knee injury.
Skinner, who played her first two seasons at Delaware, joined Natasha Adair in Tempe after Adair was named ASU's head coach. In 2022-23, Skinner (2023 All-Pac-12 honorable mention) scored 20 or more points 15 times, including a career-high 29 points twice. A starter in all 28 games, Skinner averaged 19.3 ppg, the most by a Sun Devil since the 1988-89 season. She concluded her first campaign in the Maroon and Gold among the leaders in the Pac-12 in points per game (19.3/2nd/27th in the nation), 3-pointers per game (2.43 per game/2nd), minutes per game (36.59/3rd/29th in the nation), FTs made (79/3rd) and attempted (91/4th), steals per game (1.71/5th), 3-point FG percentage (34.7/6th) and FT percentage (78.1/8th).
The 2023-24 Sun Devils were left pondering, 'what might have been,' had Skinner been able to share the court with Louisville transfer Jalyn Brown. Much like Skinner did in 2022-23, Brown would emerge as one of the top performers in the Pac-12. In league games, Brown finished 3rd in the Pac-12 in scoring (19.6 ppg), 9th in FT percent (80.6) and tied for 14th in 3-pointers per game (1.56). She scored in double figures 26 times (12 20-point games) including a pair of outings in which she had the two highest-scoring games by a Sun Devil since 2000: 35 vs. Colorado (Jan. 7, 2024) and 34 points at Washington (Jan. 21).
Brown, who earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors from the league's coaches and All-Pac-12 recognition from media who cover the league, went on to lead the team in scoring (17.3 ppg) and 3-pointers per game (1.4), was 2nd in FT pct. (76.9), 3-pointers (1.3 per game), minutes (35.54 mpg) and FTs made (103) and attempted (134), 3rd in assists (1.6 apg), tied for 3rd in steals (0.9 spg) and 4th in O-rebounds (1.1 rpg).
With Skinner recovered from her injury, Adair is excited to see what the Sun Devils are capable of with both Skinner and Brown on the court.
"It's poetry in motion; those two have known each other even prior to coming here from the Washington, DC area so they know each other's game, and more importantly it's about every other piece in addition to them," Adair said. I'm excited for our fans to see our size inside, it's going be hard to guard (us because) who are you going to sag off on and who are you going to double?
"Watching us work on that every day you can see it coming together. I'm excited about every piece because as much as they are talented there are so many other players and parts. I want to know how opponents are going to stop us."
In her first game since the end of the 2022-23 season, Skinner scored a career-high 30 points – the 17th time she scored 20 or more points in a Sun Devil uniform – in ASU's 74-66 win over Jacksonville State on Nov. 4. Brown led ASU in scoring (24 points) in vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 8). Combined with Skinner's 16 points, the duo combines for 40 points in the game. Skinner had a team-high 15 points in ASU's contest vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14).
In ASU's 80-73 win over SMU (Nov. 16), Skinner (26 points) and Brown (25 points) both came combined for 51 points. In addition to their high point totals, both Skinner (8-16 FGs, 5-10 3FGs) and Brown (10-18 FGs, 3-7 3FGs) were efficient with their opportunities as they teamed up to shoot 53 percent (18-34 FGs) from the field, including 47 percent (8-17) from long range. Brown also led the team with five assists.
DEVILS BRINGING THE 'D'
Although it is the first month of the season, ASU has already proven an ability to adjust and improve. After giving up an average of 83.0 points in its first two games, ASU has only allowed 67.7 points in its last three games.
But for an atypical offensive performance in the final 20 minutes against Grand Canyon – scored 17 points in the second half after accounting for 42 in the first half – the Sun Devils could easily be 4-1 and riding a three-game winning streak coming into Tuesday's game.
EVERY POINT COUNTS
ASU comes into Tuesday's game 15th in the nation and first in the Big 12 in FT pct. (79.8). Tyi Skinner leads the team in FT pct. (88.9/4th in the Big 12) and FTs made (24/6th in the Big 12) and attempted (27/12th in the Big 12).
MEET THE NEWCOMERS
Half the players on 2024-25 Sun Devil Squad are making their debut in the Maroon and Gold this season. Read on for a thumbnail summary of each player.
#0 /// Kennedy Basham /// F /// 6-7 /// Jr. /// Phoenix, Ariz.
• Kennedy Basham will be returning home after playing two seasons at the University of Oregon where she played in 47 games with 24 starting assignments (all 24 starts came sophomore season).
• Led team with 48 blocks and led or tied for team lead in 13 games, finishing with multiple blocks 15 times.
• Scored a season-high 15 points at Washington (Feb. 23) and followed that up with 14 points at Washington State (Feb. 25) for her first career games in double figures.
AT ASU IN 2024-25
• Currently leads ASU in rebounds per game (9.6/3rd in the Big 12), blocks per game (3.2/7th in the nation and 2nd in the Big 12) and is 4th in scoring (8.8 ppg)... Is averaging 10.7 rebounds in the last 3 games, including a career-high 13 boards vs. Grand Canyon (Npv. 14)... Had strong Sun Devil debut scoring 8 points, grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds and blocking 4 shots vs. Jacksonville State (Nov. 4)... Accounted for 14 points and tied for the team lead in rebounds (6) vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 8)... Had her first double-double as a Sun Devil (10 points, career-high 13 rebounds) and had 3 blocks vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14)... Had 3rd double-digit rebounding performance (10) and a career-high 6 blocks vs. OSU (Nov. 17).
#4 /// Jyah LoVett /// G /// 5-8 /// So. /// San Gabriel, Calif.
• LoVett is coming to ASU from San Jose State where she earned Mountain West All-Freshman Team honors for a season in which she played and started in 17 games as the team's primary point guard.
•Earned Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors three times.
• Averaged 18 ppg in her six Mountain West appearances.
• Scored a career-high 26 points twice: against Fresno State in the Mountain West opener (Jan. 3) and again at UNLV (Jan. 10).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Has played in every game and currently leads the team in steals per game (1.8) and is 3rd on the team in points per game (9.2)... Averaged 12.5 ppg in ASU's contests vs. Grand Canyon (10 points, season-high 4 steals) and vs. SMU (season-high 15 points).
#7 /// Jazion Jackson /// G /// 5-9 /// Grad. /// Dallas, Texas
• Jackson will be bringing an abundance of experience to Tempe.
• Transferred to ASU from Texas Tech. Unfortunately, Jackson didn't play after a a season-ending injury prior to the season.
• Played her first three seasons for North Texas where she started 72 of 81 games. Raised her scoring average each season while playing for North Texas: 5.9 ppg, 8.6 ppg, 9.2 ppg.
• Had the best season of her career playing for UTEP in 2022-23. Earned First-Team All-Conference USA honors after she started all 32 of UTEP's games and led the team in steals (2.06 per game/fourth in the conference) and was second on the squad in scoring (11.6 ppg), rebounds per game (5.8) and assists per game (2.3).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Made her Sun Devil debut in the season's third game vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14)... Went over the 1,000-point mark in career points (had 999 coming in) vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14) after scoring 4 points to go with 5 rebounds and 2 steals... Had career-high 13 rebounds vs. SMU (Nov. 16) and followed with a double-double )10 points, 10 rebounds) vs. Oregon State (Nov. 17).
#10 /// Kennedy Fauntleroy /// G /// 5-7 /// Jr. /// Upper Marlboro, Md.
• Had outstanding freshman campaign at Georgetown where she was unanimously named the 2023 Big East Freshman of the Year and was named to the league's all-freshman team.
• Started 29 of the 30 games she played in 2022-23 and was named the Big East Freshman of the Week six times. In Big East play, averaged 11.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.9 assists per outing.
• Transferred to ASU from Oklahoma State where she played in five games last season. Opened season scoring 14 points in helping OSU defeat SIUE (Nov. 6). Also added four steals in the victory.
• Produced a solid all-around debut in her Sun Devil debut, scoring 7 points, grabbing 6 rebounds to go with 3 assists and 4 steals in win over Jacksonville State (Nov. 4)... Scored 13 points and dished out 7 assists vs. Arkansas State Nov. (9).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Has played in all 5 games with 2 starts... currently 3rd on the team in assists per game (2.4) and steals per game (1.4)... Had season highs in points (13) and assists (7) and tied her season high with 6 rebounds vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 8).
#12 /// Makayla Moore /// G /// 6-0 /// Jr. /// San Jose, Calif.
• Transferred to ASU from Seattle U where she played 49 games (28 starts) in two seasons.
• Started all 28 games she played last season and averaged a career-best 11.3 points while playing 29.2 minutes per game.
• Posted a career-high 23 points on a career-best 11 made field goals against UTRGV (Jan. 11, 2024).
• Pulled down career-high 10 rebounds against UT Arlington (Jan. 13, 2024).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Has played in 3 games and is averaging 7.7 minutes per game.
#15 /// Heavenly Greer /// F /// 6-3 /// Sr. /// Phoenix, Ariz.
• Like fellow first-year Sun Devil Kennedy Basham, Greer will be returning to her hometown of Phoenix.
• Greer will be familiar with many of ASU's conference opponents as played all three of her seasons in the Big 12: one season at Oklahoma (played 10 games) and two seasons at Kansas State (played 46 contests).
• Played in a career-high 30 contests in her first season playing for Kansas State (2022-23).
• Kansas State made it to the postseason in each of Greer's two seasons playing for the Wildcats (WNIT in 2023 and NCAA Tournament in 2024).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Has played in 4 games and has connected on 60 percent of her shots (3-5)... Pulled down a season-high 6 rebounds in season opener vs. Jacksonville State (Nov. 4).
#22 /// Timya Grice /// C /// 6-5 /// Fr. /// Katy, Texas
• The lone freshman on ASU's 2024-25 roster, Grice led her Taylor high school squad to the No. 3 (28-7; 12-4 in district) spot in 2024, its first playoff berth since the 2018-19 season.
• In 2023-24, was named one of the Top 26 girls' basketball players in the state of Texas by SB Live and was selected to the TGCA All-State team.
• Prior to the 2023-24 season, was named No. 8 in Vype's Top 30 players in Houston.
• Scored 34 points and a pulled down a school-record 24 rebounds in a victory over district counterpart Seven Lakes.
Joined Taylor's squad in January of 2023, after moving from Mauldin, S.C.
• Averaged 8.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in her three seasons playing for Mauldin (S.C.).
#32 /// Nevaeh Parkinson /// C /// 6-3 /// Grad. /// Dallas, Texas
• Parkinson is another player who will be toting plenty of experience to Tempe. After playing 20 games in two seasons at New Mexico, had a pair of breakout seasons at UC Irvine in helping the squad earn postseason berths in both 2023 and 2024.
• In 2022-23, was named the Big West's Best Sixth Player and also received All-Big West honorable mention recognition.
• After helping lead UC Irvine to the WNIT in her first season, helped her squad ascend even higher in earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament last season.
• Scored a career-high 18 points (8-10 FGs) and grabbed 10 rebounds in UC Irvine's NCAA Tournament first round game at Gonzaga (Mar. 23).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
• Is currently 3rd on the team in FG pct. (50.0) and rebounds per game (4.8) and is 5th in points per game (8.0). Scored 8 points in Sun Devil debut vs. Jacksonville St. (Nov. 4)... Tied career high with 18 points (8-10 FGs, 2-2 FTs) to go with 6 rebounds vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 9)... Pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds vs. SMU (Nov. 16).
BACK FOR MORE
Eight players are back from last year's squad, each with the ability to help the Sun Devils climb even higher in the first season of the Big 12.
#1 /// Kadidia Toure /// F /// 6-3 /// Jr. /// Silver Spring, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing freshman season at James Madison.
• Has played in 54 career games with 7 starts (all 7 with ASU) .
• In her first season at ASU, played in every game (7 starts) and led the team in FG pct. (43.5/among players who averaged 5.0 or more FG att per game), was 2nd in O-rebs (1.5 rpg), and 4th in scoring (5.7 ppg/among players who played in at least half the games).
2024-25
• Has played in 2 contests.
#3 /// Tyi Skinner /// G /// 5-5 /// Grad. /// Washington, D.C.
• Transferred to ASU after the 2021-22 season and made in immediate impact averaging 19.3 ppg in 2022-23, the most by a Sun Devil since the 1988-89 season.
• Missed entire 2023-24 season due to injury.
• Has started 65 of 94 games, including all 33 she has played at ASU.
2024-25
• Currently leads the team in scoring (21.6 ppg/18th in the nation and 3rd in the Big 12), FG pct. (53.7/8th in the Big 12), 3-pointers (2.4 per game/5th in the Big 12), assists per game (4.2/14th in the Big 12), FTs made (24) and attempted (27), FT pct. (88.9) and 3FG pct (46.2/6th in the Big 12).
• In her first game since the end of the 2022-23 season (missed entire 2023-24 season due to injury), Skinner scored a career-high 30 points – the 17th time she scored 20 or more points in a Sun Devil uniform – in ASU's 74-66 win over Jacksonville State on Nov. 4.
• Had consecutive 20-point games (26 vs. SMU and 21 vs. Oregon State) in ASU's two wins in the annual Briann January Classic... In those two wins, averaged 23.5 points and was 59 percent from the floor (16-27) and 50 percent from beyond the arc (6-12).
#13 /// Maggie Besselink /// G/F /// 6-3 /// Grad. /// Kingston, Ontario
• Versatile scorer and outstanding rebounder.
• Has been limited to 45 games (32 starts) because of injuries.
• Played in 12 games (11 starts) before suffering season-ending injury at Washington State (Jan. 19). At time of injury, was 2nd on the team in rebs per game (4.6) and 4th in O-rebs (1.3 rpg).
• Made her 2024-25 debut vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14).
2024-25
• Has played in last 3 games and has made 83.3 pct of her free throws.
#21 /// Hanna Miller /// F • 6-2 /// Jr. /// Aberdeen, S.D.
• Transferred to ASU from Dodge City CC (Dodge City, Kan.) where Miller played one season.
• Older sister of current Sun Devil Mallory Miller.
• Played in 3 games as a freshman and accounted for first points of career (4/1-1 3FG/1-2 FTs) in win vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
2024-25
• Has played in 3 games and is averaging 6.8 minutes per game.
#23 /// Jalyn Brown /// G /// 6-1 /// Jr. /// Baltimore, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing freshman season at Louisville.
• As the 2023-24 season progressed, evolved into one of the top performers in the Pac-12. In league games, finished 3rd in scoring (19.6 ppg), 9th in FT percent (80.6) and tied for 14th in 3-pointers per game (1.56).
• Is the owner of the two highest-scoring games by a Sun Devil since 2000: 35 vs. Colorado (Jan. 7, 2024) and 34 points at Washington (Jan. 21, 2024).
2024-25
• Has started every game and is currently 2nd on the team in scoring (15.6 ppg), FG pct. (53.6/10th in the Big 12), FT pct (84.9/11-13), FTs made (11) and attempted (13), assists per game (2.8) and steals per game (1.6).
• Has scored in double figures 3x, including a season-high 25 points vs. SMU (Nov. 16).
• Dished out a career-high 5 assists vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 8) and vs. SMU (Nov. 16).
#24 /// Mallory Miller /// F /// 6-4 /// So. /// Aberdeen, S.D.
• Had solid freshman campaign, making important contributions as the season progressed.
• Younger sister Hanna plays for the Sun Devils.
• Played in 27 contests (four starts - all coming in last four games of the season).
• All 3 of her double-figure scoring games came in Pac-12 play.
• In ASU's 5 games prior to final weekend of regular season, averaged 8.4 ppg (3rd on team), 5.6 rpg and 1.2 bpg (led team in both).
#25 /// Adison Novosel /// G /// 5-11 /// Sr. /// Richfield, Ohio
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing first two seasons at Saint Francis University (played in 35 contests with 25 starts).
• After appearing in seven games off the bench as a freshman, started 25 of 28 games in 2022-23.
• Played in 21 games (9.0 mins per game) in her first season as a Sun Devil. Six of her seven 3-pointers came in Pac-12 play.
• Played 30 mins and hit season-high 3 FGs vs. No. 15 Utah (Jan. 5).
#30 • Morasha Wiggins /// G /// 6-0 /// Sr. /// Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Transferred to ASU after playing her freshman season (2021-22) at North Carolina.
• Ranked 18th in the ESPNW Class of 2021 rankings, Wiggins was expected to be an impact player for ASU before suffering a preseason injury that forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 campaign.
NOTES ON ASU'S FIRST SEASON IN THE BIG 12
Big 12 Transfers: Three Sun Devil newcomers were on a Big 12 campus in the past year. Heavenly Greer played the past two years at Kansas State, Dallas native Jazion Jackson was at Texas Tech last year and Kennedy Fauntleroy was at Oklahoma State last year after earning 2022-23 Big East Freshman of the Year at Georgetown.
The Big 12 format: Teams will play three opponents home and away while facing six teams only at home and six opponents only on the road for a total of 18 Conference games. Opponents were selected based on a combination of geography, historical results and a poll of the coaches to best balance the schedule in terms of travel and competitiveness.
ASU's Big 12 opponent breakdown: Home: Baylor (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), Cincinnati (2024 WNIT Team), Iowa State (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), TCU (2024 WBIT Team), Texas Tech, West Virginia (2024 NCAA Tournament Team). Away: Central Florida, Colorado (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), Houston, Kansas (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), Kansas State (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), Oklahoma State. Home and Away: Arizona (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), BYU (2024 WBIT Team), Utah (2024 NCAA Tournament Team)
When it starts/ends: League play begins Saturday, Dec. 21 with six games and concludes Sunday, March 2. The regular season will be followed by the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship, which will take place in Kansas City's T-Mobile Center for the second consecutive season.
About the league: The current league members combined to go 8-0 in their first game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament while 15 of the 16 teams finished the 2023-24 season in the top 101 of the NET rankings. Four Big 12 teams are ranked in the top 16 of ESPN's Women's Basketball Way-Too-Early Top 25, tied for the most of any league.
WHEN: vs. Kentucky on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. MST and vs. South Dakota on Wednesday at 10 a.m. MST.
WHERE: Trojan Fieldhouse • Nashville, Tenn.
WATCH: BALLERtv (pay-per-view streaming platform)
RADIO: Tuesday on KDUS AM 1060 (pregame at 2 p.m. MST) and KAZG 1440 AM on Wednesday (pregame at 9:30 a.m. MST).
LIVE STATS: vs. Kentucky and vs. South Dakota
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team (3-2) begins what figures to be its most challenging stretch of the season when it travels to Nashville, Tenn., for the Coast 2 Coast Music City Classic where it will face No. 14 and unbeaten Kentucky (5-0) on Tuesday (3:30 p.m. CST/2:30 p.m. MST) and South Dakota on Wednesday (11 a.m. CST/10 a.m. MST).
For the Sun Devils, the game vs. Kentucky will be the first of seven consecutive in which it will be on the road for either a neutral site contest (three games) or as the away team in a true road game (four games). Eight days after Wednesday's game, the Sun Devils will be in Baltimore to take on Coppin State (Dec. 5) followed by a third neutral site game vs. Maryland Eastern Shore in the Coaches vs Racism Classic in Washington D.C. (Dec. 7).
After visits to Music City, Baltimore, Md., and the nation's capital, ASU will take an extended break for final exams before once again leaving the state of Arizona for road games at UC Davis (Dec. 15), at San Francisco (Dec. 17) and at Utah (Dec. 21). The contest at Utah will be ASU's first ever Big 12 Conference game.
The Sun Devils return to play in Tempe on Dec. 30 when they host Penn at Mullett Arena, Sun Devil Women's Basketball's inaugural appearance in SDA's newest on-campus Multi-Purpose Arena. Two days later, ASU will take on Texas Tech in its first ever home game as a member of the Big 12 Conference.
ASU is coming off consecutive wins over SMU (80-73 on Nov. 16) and former Pac-12 foe Oregon State (79-60 on Nov. 17) in the annual Briann January Classic.
WATCH/LISTEN
• This week's games can be seen BALLERtv (a pay-per-view service).
• Tuesday's game can be heard on KDUS AM 1060. Pregame coverage will begin at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, 1440 KAZG will be carrying the broadcast with pregame beginning at 9:30 a.m. Veteran broadcaster and the state of Arizona's 2010 & 2019 Broadcaster of the Year Jeff Munn is in his 21st season as the voice of ASU women's basketball.
SERIES NOTES
Kentucky: Each team won an overtime game on the opposition's home court in a home-and-home series in 2015-16. Kentucky claimed a 68-64 (OT) win in the 2015-16 season opener. The Sun Devils returned the favor – 73-71 (OT) – the following year in Lexington in a contest that was played in front of 13,225 at UK's legendary Rupp Arena.
South Dakota: Wednesday's contest will be the first ever meeting between the Sun Devils and Coyotes.
STATE OF PLAY
The Sun Devils (3-2), who have eight new players on this season's roster, have experienced the ups and downs that can sometimes go with combining the talents of several outstanding players in the early stages of the season.
ASU opened the 2024-25 campaign with a 74-66 win over Jacksonville State (Nov. 4). In her first game since the end of the 2022-23 season, Tyi Skinner, who missed the entire 2023-24 season due to injury, scored a career-high 30 points to go with a team-high five assists. Jalyn Brown just missed scoring in double figures with 9 points to go with 6 boards. Two of the newest members of the team – local product Kennedy Basham (8 points, game-high 10 rebounds, 4 blocks) and Nevaeh Parkinson (8 points) – combined for 16 points.
Despite scoring 96 points – the most scored by ASU during head coach Natasha Adair's time at ASU – the Sun Devils were edged in a 100-96 decision to Arkansas State (Nov. 8). Five players scored in double figure against the Red Wolves: Brown (24 points), Parkinson (18 points), Skinner (16 points), Basham (14 points) and Kennedy Fauntleroy (13 points).
The Sun Devils played three games in four days between Nov. 14-17. The stretch started with a 70-59 loss against Grand Canyon in the Hall of Fame Series played at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. ASU led by as many as 12 in the first half and went to the locker room with a nine-point advantage, 42-33. Unfortunately for ASU, it experienced a 180-degree turnaround on both ends of the floor as it was outscored 37-17 over the final 20 minutes.
The Sun Devils bounced back with consecutive wins over SMU (80-73 on Nov. 16) and former Pac-12 foe Oregon State (79-60 on Nov. 17). Against SMU, Skinner (26 points) and Brown (25 points) both came through with marquee performances as the duo combined for 51 points. In its win over Oregon State the following day, ASU recorded opponent season lows for points (60), field goals (19), 3-point field goals (3) and 3-point field goal percentage (13.4) and had season highs in shot blocks (eight), turnovers forced (19) and points scored off turnovers (26) in what added up to ASU's largest margin of victory this season. Skinner scored 20 or more points for the third time this season (21 points/8-11 FGs, 4-4 FTs), Brown had 12 points (5-8 FGs) and Basham and Jazion Jackson had identical double-doubles (10 points, 10 rebounds) in the win.
DYNAMIC DUO DEBUT
The 2023-24 Sun Devils were dealt a serious blow when it was announced a month before the start of the season that superstar guard Tyi Skinner would miss the entire season due to a knee injury.
Skinner, who played her first two seasons at Delaware, joined Natasha Adair in Tempe after Adair was named ASU's head coach. In 2022-23, Skinner (2023 All-Pac-12 honorable mention) scored 20 or more points 15 times, including a career-high 29 points twice. A starter in all 28 games, Skinner averaged 19.3 ppg, the most by a Sun Devil since the 1988-89 season. She concluded her first campaign in the Maroon and Gold among the leaders in the Pac-12 in points per game (19.3/2nd/27th in the nation), 3-pointers per game (2.43 per game/2nd), minutes per game (36.59/3rd/29th in the nation), FTs made (79/3rd) and attempted (91/4th), steals per game (1.71/5th), 3-point FG percentage (34.7/6th) and FT percentage (78.1/8th).
The 2023-24 Sun Devils were left pondering, 'what might have been,' had Skinner been able to share the court with Louisville transfer Jalyn Brown. Much like Skinner did in 2022-23, Brown would emerge as one of the top performers in the Pac-12. In league games, Brown finished 3rd in the Pac-12 in scoring (19.6 ppg), 9th in FT percent (80.6) and tied for 14th in 3-pointers per game (1.56). She scored in double figures 26 times (12 20-point games) including a pair of outings in which she had the two highest-scoring games by a Sun Devil since 2000: 35 vs. Colorado (Jan. 7, 2024) and 34 points at Washington (Jan. 21).
Brown, who earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors from the league's coaches and All-Pac-12 recognition from media who cover the league, went on to lead the team in scoring (17.3 ppg) and 3-pointers per game (1.4), was 2nd in FT pct. (76.9), 3-pointers (1.3 per game), minutes (35.54 mpg) and FTs made (103) and attempted (134), 3rd in assists (1.6 apg), tied for 3rd in steals (0.9 spg) and 4th in O-rebounds (1.1 rpg).
With Skinner recovered from her injury, Adair is excited to see what the Sun Devils are capable of with both Skinner and Brown on the court.
"It's poetry in motion; those two have known each other even prior to coming here from the Washington, DC area so they know each other's game, and more importantly it's about every other piece in addition to them," Adair said. I'm excited for our fans to see our size inside, it's going be hard to guard (us because) who are you going to sag off on and who are you going to double?
"Watching us work on that every day you can see it coming together. I'm excited about every piece because as much as they are talented there are so many other players and parts. I want to know how opponents are going to stop us."
In her first game since the end of the 2022-23 season, Skinner scored a career-high 30 points – the 17th time she scored 20 or more points in a Sun Devil uniform – in ASU's 74-66 win over Jacksonville State on Nov. 4. Brown led ASU in scoring (24 points) in vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 8). Combined with Skinner's 16 points, the duo combines for 40 points in the game. Skinner had a team-high 15 points in ASU's contest vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14).
In ASU's 80-73 win over SMU (Nov. 16), Skinner (26 points) and Brown (25 points) both came combined for 51 points. In addition to their high point totals, both Skinner (8-16 FGs, 5-10 3FGs) and Brown (10-18 FGs, 3-7 3FGs) were efficient with their opportunities as they teamed up to shoot 53 percent (18-34 FGs) from the field, including 47 percent (8-17) from long range. Brown also led the team with five assists.
DEVILS BRINGING THE 'D'
Although it is the first month of the season, ASU has already proven an ability to adjust and improve. After giving up an average of 83.0 points in its first two games, ASU has only allowed 67.7 points in its last three games.
But for an atypical offensive performance in the final 20 minutes against Grand Canyon – scored 17 points in the second half after accounting for 42 in the first half – the Sun Devils could easily be 4-1 and riding a three-game winning streak coming into Tuesday's game.
EVERY POINT COUNTS
ASU comes into Tuesday's game 15th in the nation and first in the Big 12 in FT pct. (79.8). Tyi Skinner leads the team in FT pct. (88.9/4th in the Big 12) and FTs made (24/6th in the Big 12) and attempted (27/12th in the Big 12).
MEET THE NEWCOMERS
Half the players on 2024-25 Sun Devil Squad are making their debut in the Maroon and Gold this season. Read on for a thumbnail summary of each player.
#0 /// Kennedy Basham /// F /// 6-7 /// Jr. /// Phoenix, Ariz.
• Kennedy Basham will be returning home after playing two seasons at the University of Oregon where she played in 47 games with 24 starting assignments (all 24 starts came sophomore season).
• Led team with 48 blocks and led or tied for team lead in 13 games, finishing with multiple blocks 15 times.
• Scored a season-high 15 points at Washington (Feb. 23) and followed that up with 14 points at Washington State (Feb. 25) for her first career games in double figures.
AT ASU IN 2024-25
• Currently leads ASU in rebounds per game (9.6/3rd in the Big 12), blocks per game (3.2/7th in the nation and 2nd in the Big 12) and is 4th in scoring (8.8 ppg)... Is averaging 10.7 rebounds in the last 3 games, including a career-high 13 boards vs. Grand Canyon (Npv. 14)... Had strong Sun Devil debut scoring 8 points, grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds and blocking 4 shots vs. Jacksonville State (Nov. 4)... Accounted for 14 points and tied for the team lead in rebounds (6) vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 8)... Had her first double-double as a Sun Devil (10 points, career-high 13 rebounds) and had 3 blocks vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14)... Had 3rd double-digit rebounding performance (10) and a career-high 6 blocks vs. OSU (Nov. 17).
#4 /// Jyah LoVett /// G /// 5-8 /// So. /// San Gabriel, Calif.
• LoVett is coming to ASU from San Jose State where she earned Mountain West All-Freshman Team honors for a season in which she played and started in 17 games as the team's primary point guard.
•Earned Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors three times.
• Averaged 18 ppg in her six Mountain West appearances.
• Scored a career-high 26 points twice: against Fresno State in the Mountain West opener (Jan. 3) and again at UNLV (Jan. 10).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Has played in every game and currently leads the team in steals per game (1.8) and is 3rd on the team in points per game (9.2)... Averaged 12.5 ppg in ASU's contests vs. Grand Canyon (10 points, season-high 4 steals) and vs. SMU (season-high 15 points).
#7 /// Jazion Jackson /// G /// 5-9 /// Grad. /// Dallas, Texas
• Jackson will be bringing an abundance of experience to Tempe.
• Transferred to ASU from Texas Tech. Unfortunately, Jackson didn't play after a a season-ending injury prior to the season.
• Played her first three seasons for North Texas where she started 72 of 81 games. Raised her scoring average each season while playing for North Texas: 5.9 ppg, 8.6 ppg, 9.2 ppg.
• Had the best season of her career playing for UTEP in 2022-23. Earned First-Team All-Conference USA honors after she started all 32 of UTEP's games and led the team in steals (2.06 per game/fourth in the conference) and was second on the squad in scoring (11.6 ppg), rebounds per game (5.8) and assists per game (2.3).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Made her Sun Devil debut in the season's third game vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14)... Went over the 1,000-point mark in career points (had 999 coming in) vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14) after scoring 4 points to go with 5 rebounds and 2 steals... Had career-high 13 rebounds vs. SMU (Nov. 16) and followed with a double-double )10 points, 10 rebounds) vs. Oregon State (Nov. 17).
#10 /// Kennedy Fauntleroy /// G /// 5-7 /// Jr. /// Upper Marlboro, Md.
• Had outstanding freshman campaign at Georgetown where she was unanimously named the 2023 Big East Freshman of the Year and was named to the league's all-freshman team.
• Started 29 of the 30 games she played in 2022-23 and was named the Big East Freshman of the Week six times. In Big East play, averaged 11.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.9 assists per outing.
• Transferred to ASU from Oklahoma State where she played in five games last season. Opened season scoring 14 points in helping OSU defeat SIUE (Nov. 6). Also added four steals in the victory.
• Produced a solid all-around debut in her Sun Devil debut, scoring 7 points, grabbing 6 rebounds to go with 3 assists and 4 steals in win over Jacksonville State (Nov. 4)... Scored 13 points and dished out 7 assists vs. Arkansas State Nov. (9).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Has played in all 5 games with 2 starts... currently 3rd on the team in assists per game (2.4) and steals per game (1.4)... Had season highs in points (13) and assists (7) and tied her season high with 6 rebounds vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 8).
#12 /// Makayla Moore /// G /// 6-0 /// Jr. /// San Jose, Calif.
• Transferred to ASU from Seattle U where she played 49 games (28 starts) in two seasons.
• Started all 28 games she played last season and averaged a career-best 11.3 points while playing 29.2 minutes per game.
• Posted a career-high 23 points on a career-best 11 made field goals against UTRGV (Jan. 11, 2024).
• Pulled down career-high 10 rebounds against UT Arlington (Jan. 13, 2024).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Has played in 3 games and is averaging 7.7 minutes per game.
#15 /// Heavenly Greer /// F /// 6-3 /// Sr. /// Phoenix, Ariz.
• Like fellow first-year Sun Devil Kennedy Basham, Greer will be returning to her hometown of Phoenix.
• Greer will be familiar with many of ASU's conference opponents as played all three of her seasons in the Big 12: one season at Oklahoma (played 10 games) and two seasons at Kansas State (played 46 contests).
• Played in a career-high 30 contests in her first season playing for Kansas State (2022-23).
• Kansas State made it to the postseason in each of Greer's two seasons playing for the Wildcats (WNIT in 2023 and NCAA Tournament in 2024).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
Has played in 4 games and has connected on 60 percent of her shots (3-5)... Pulled down a season-high 6 rebounds in season opener vs. Jacksonville State (Nov. 4).
#22 /// Timya Grice /// C /// 6-5 /// Fr. /// Katy, Texas
• The lone freshman on ASU's 2024-25 roster, Grice led her Taylor high school squad to the No. 3 (28-7; 12-4 in district) spot in 2024, its first playoff berth since the 2018-19 season.
• In 2023-24, was named one of the Top 26 girls' basketball players in the state of Texas by SB Live and was selected to the TGCA All-State team.
• Prior to the 2023-24 season, was named No. 8 in Vype's Top 30 players in Houston.
• Scored 34 points and a pulled down a school-record 24 rebounds in a victory over district counterpart Seven Lakes.
Joined Taylor's squad in January of 2023, after moving from Mauldin, S.C.
• Averaged 8.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in her three seasons playing for Mauldin (S.C.).
#32 /// Nevaeh Parkinson /// C /// 6-3 /// Grad. /// Dallas, Texas
• Parkinson is another player who will be toting plenty of experience to Tempe. After playing 20 games in two seasons at New Mexico, had a pair of breakout seasons at UC Irvine in helping the squad earn postseason berths in both 2023 and 2024.
• In 2022-23, was named the Big West's Best Sixth Player and also received All-Big West honorable mention recognition.
• After helping lead UC Irvine to the WNIT in her first season, helped her squad ascend even higher in earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament last season.
• Scored a career-high 18 points (8-10 FGs) and grabbed 10 rebounds in UC Irvine's NCAA Tournament first round game at Gonzaga (Mar. 23).
AT ASU IN 2024-25
• Is currently 3rd on the team in FG pct. (50.0) and rebounds per game (4.8) and is 5th in points per game (8.0). Scored 8 points in Sun Devil debut vs. Jacksonville St. (Nov. 4)... Tied career high with 18 points (8-10 FGs, 2-2 FTs) to go with 6 rebounds vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 9)... Pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds vs. SMU (Nov. 16).
BACK FOR MORE
Eight players are back from last year's squad, each with the ability to help the Sun Devils climb even higher in the first season of the Big 12.
#1 /// Kadidia Toure /// F /// 6-3 /// Jr. /// Silver Spring, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing freshman season at James Madison.
• Has played in 54 career games with 7 starts (all 7 with ASU) .
• In her first season at ASU, played in every game (7 starts) and led the team in FG pct. (43.5/among players who averaged 5.0 or more FG att per game), was 2nd in O-rebs (1.5 rpg), and 4th in scoring (5.7 ppg/among players who played in at least half the games).
2024-25
• Has played in 2 contests.
#3 /// Tyi Skinner /// G /// 5-5 /// Grad. /// Washington, D.C.
• Transferred to ASU after the 2021-22 season and made in immediate impact averaging 19.3 ppg in 2022-23, the most by a Sun Devil since the 1988-89 season.
• Missed entire 2023-24 season due to injury.
• Has started 65 of 94 games, including all 33 she has played at ASU.
2024-25
• Currently leads the team in scoring (21.6 ppg/18th in the nation and 3rd in the Big 12), FG pct. (53.7/8th in the Big 12), 3-pointers (2.4 per game/5th in the Big 12), assists per game (4.2/14th in the Big 12), FTs made (24) and attempted (27), FT pct. (88.9) and 3FG pct (46.2/6th in the Big 12).
• In her first game since the end of the 2022-23 season (missed entire 2023-24 season due to injury), Skinner scored a career-high 30 points – the 17th time she scored 20 or more points in a Sun Devil uniform – in ASU's 74-66 win over Jacksonville State on Nov. 4.
• Had consecutive 20-point games (26 vs. SMU and 21 vs. Oregon State) in ASU's two wins in the annual Briann January Classic... In those two wins, averaged 23.5 points and was 59 percent from the floor (16-27) and 50 percent from beyond the arc (6-12).
#13 /// Maggie Besselink /// G/F /// 6-3 /// Grad. /// Kingston, Ontario
• Versatile scorer and outstanding rebounder.
• Has been limited to 45 games (32 starts) because of injuries.
• Played in 12 games (11 starts) before suffering season-ending injury at Washington State (Jan. 19). At time of injury, was 2nd on the team in rebs per game (4.6) and 4th in O-rebs (1.3 rpg).
• Made her 2024-25 debut vs. Grand Canyon (Nov. 14).
2024-25
• Has played in last 3 games and has made 83.3 pct of her free throws.
#21 /// Hanna Miller /// F • 6-2 /// Jr. /// Aberdeen, S.D.
• Transferred to ASU from Dodge City CC (Dodge City, Kan.) where Miller played one season.
• Older sister of current Sun Devil Mallory Miller.
• Played in 3 games as a freshman and accounted for first points of career (4/1-1 3FG/1-2 FTs) in win vs. Idaho State (Nov. 19).
2024-25
• Has played in 3 games and is averaging 6.8 minutes per game.
#23 /// Jalyn Brown /// G /// 6-1 /// Jr. /// Baltimore, Md.
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing freshman season at Louisville.
• As the 2023-24 season progressed, evolved into one of the top performers in the Pac-12. In league games, finished 3rd in scoring (19.6 ppg), 9th in FT percent (80.6) and tied for 14th in 3-pointers per game (1.56).
• Is the owner of the two highest-scoring games by a Sun Devil since 2000: 35 vs. Colorado (Jan. 7, 2024) and 34 points at Washington (Jan. 21, 2024).
2024-25
• Has started every game and is currently 2nd on the team in scoring (15.6 ppg), FG pct. (53.6/10th in the Big 12), FT pct (84.9/11-13), FTs made (11) and attempted (13), assists per game (2.8) and steals per game (1.6).
• Has scored in double figures 3x, including a season-high 25 points vs. SMU (Nov. 16).
• Dished out a career-high 5 assists vs. Arkansas State (Nov. 8) and vs. SMU (Nov. 16).
#24 /// Mallory Miller /// F /// 6-4 /// So. /// Aberdeen, S.D.
• Had solid freshman campaign, making important contributions as the season progressed.
• Younger sister Hanna plays for the Sun Devils.
• Played in 27 contests (four starts - all coming in last four games of the season).
• All 3 of her double-figure scoring games came in Pac-12 play.
• In ASU's 5 games prior to final weekend of regular season, averaged 8.4 ppg (3rd on team), 5.6 rpg and 1.2 bpg (led team in both).
#25 /// Adison Novosel /// G /// 5-11 /// Sr. /// Richfield, Ohio
• Transferred to ASU in 2023 after playing first two seasons at Saint Francis University (played in 35 contests with 25 starts).
• After appearing in seven games off the bench as a freshman, started 25 of 28 games in 2022-23.
• Played in 21 games (9.0 mins per game) in her first season as a Sun Devil. Six of her seven 3-pointers came in Pac-12 play.
• Played 30 mins and hit season-high 3 FGs vs. No. 15 Utah (Jan. 5).
#30 • Morasha Wiggins /// G /// 6-0 /// Sr. /// Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Transferred to ASU after playing her freshman season (2021-22) at North Carolina.
• Ranked 18th in the ESPNW Class of 2021 rankings, Wiggins was expected to be an impact player for ASU before suffering a preseason injury that forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 campaign.
NOTES ON ASU'S FIRST SEASON IN THE BIG 12
Big 12 Transfers: Three Sun Devil newcomers were on a Big 12 campus in the past year. Heavenly Greer played the past two years at Kansas State, Dallas native Jazion Jackson was at Texas Tech last year and Kennedy Fauntleroy was at Oklahoma State last year after earning 2022-23 Big East Freshman of the Year at Georgetown.
The Big 12 format: Teams will play three opponents home and away while facing six teams only at home and six opponents only on the road for a total of 18 Conference games. Opponents were selected based on a combination of geography, historical results and a poll of the coaches to best balance the schedule in terms of travel and competitiveness.
ASU's Big 12 opponent breakdown: Home: Baylor (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), Cincinnati (2024 WNIT Team), Iowa State (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), TCU (2024 WBIT Team), Texas Tech, West Virginia (2024 NCAA Tournament Team). Away: Central Florida, Colorado (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), Houston, Kansas (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), Kansas State (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), Oklahoma State. Home and Away: Arizona (2024 NCAA Tournament Team), BYU (2024 WBIT Team), Utah (2024 NCAA Tournament Team)
When it starts/ends: League play begins Saturday, Dec. 21 with six games and concludes Sunday, March 2. The regular season will be followed by the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship, which will take place in Kansas City's T-Mobile Center for the second consecutive season.
About the league: The current league members combined to go 8-0 in their first game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament while 15 of the 16 teams finished the 2023-24 season in the top 101 of the NET rankings. Four Big 12 teams are ranked in the top 16 of ESPN's Women's Basketball Way-Too-Early Top 25, tied for the most of any league.