TEMPE, Ariz. – Behind a balanced scoring attack and a hot shooting start, the Arizona State women’s basketball team defeated Lehigh 81-61 in the first round of the ASU Classic on Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena.
Five ASU players finished in double figures, led by Katie Hempen, who finished with 15 points and three assists. Quinn Dornstauder added 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Sun Devils.
The victory improves ASU’s record to 9-1 on the year, while Lehigh drops its first game of the season and falls to 7-1.
ASU jumped out to an 11-0 lead barely four minutes into the game after two free throws by Peace Amukamara thanks in large part to Hempen, who had seven points during the run.
The run was just the beginning of a scorching first half shooting display, as the Sun Devils made nine of their first 12 shots from the field. ASU shot 18-34 (52.9 percent) and had 10 assists in the first half, while holding Lehigh to 9-21 (42.9 percent) shooting and only two assists as a team.
The Sun Devils, who led by as many as 16 in the first half, took a 44-29 lead into halftime. Four ASU players had at least seven points in the first half, led by Promise Amukamara, who finished with eight points and did not miss a shot (3-3 FG, 2-2 FT).
The Mountain Hawks scored on their first possession of the second half to come within 13, but were not able to get any closer than that.
Kerry Kinek led Lehigh with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Lexi Martins chipped in 15 points and four rebounds.
ASU advances to Sunday’s championship game of the ASU Classic where it will face unbeaten Northwestern (10-0). Game time at Wells Fargo Arena is 2 p.m. The game will be streamed live at http://pac-12.com/videos/arizona-state-university and can be heard on 1440 AM KAZG.