THE GAME: Sun Devil WBB (8-17, 1-16 Pac-12) at Oregon (15-13, 6-11 Pac-12)
WHEN: Saturday at 1 p.m. MST
WHERE: Matthew Knight Arena • Eugene, Ore.
TV: Pac-12 Oregon
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060
LIVE STATS: Click here
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team will attempt to close out the regular season on a winning streak and take momentum into next week's Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas when it plays at Oregon (15-13, 6-11 Pac-12) on Saturday (1 p.m. MST).
Although ASU (8-18, 1-16 Pac-12) came into this weekend still seeking its first Pac-12 win, it was clearly a much-improved team from the one that started league play at UA on Dec. 29. Although its improvement had yet to be reflected in its record, it could not be lost that it found itself in position to claim victory in four of its previous eight contests: vs. WSU (L, 61-57), vs. UW (L, 55-53), then-No. 21 Colorado (70-62), then-No. 4 Utah (74-69). The losses to the Buffaloes and Utes offered evidence of ASU's improvement, not only in that it nearly came away with wins in both games, but also the quality of competition in those contests.
Given the perseverance ASU has displayed all season, perhaps it was fitting that to capture its first league win, it would have to overcome what seemed to be improbable odds. That's just what happened at Oregon State on Thursday night. Despite trailing by as many as 17 points in the second half, ASU willed its way to a 75-73 win over the Beavers. Led by Skinner, who recorded her 14th 20-point game by scoring 19 of her game-high 27 points in the second half, ASU overcame its second-largest deficit to win since it pulled off the biggest comeback in school history, scoring the last 20 points of the game to erase an 18-point deficit vs. Utah on Feb. 17, 2019.
Four players scored in double-figures for the Sun Devils: Tyi Skinner (27 points), Kayla Moukwah (14), Treasure Hunt (13) and Jaddan Simmons (12 points). For the second time this season ASU scored 30 points or more points (30) in the fourth quarter – ASU scored a school record 35 points in the fourth quarter to overcome an 11-point deficit at Grand Canyon on Nov. 30 – as part of a 49-point second half, the most points it has scored in a half this season. ASU was perfect from the line (14-14), its most makes with 10 or more attempts since it went 16-16 at Arizona, Jan. 12, 2008. The Sun Devils also tied their fewest turnover total (8) for the third time this season (8). For ASU head coach Natasha Adair, the win was No. 175 of her career.
SERIES NOTES VERSUS OREGON
• Oregon captured the first meeting of the season 82-62 in Tempe. UO outscored ASU 44-22 in the middle two quarters. Skinner scored a game-high 20 points and Hunt chimed in with a double-double (17 points and 12 rebounds), which included a trio of triples.
• Both of ASU's 2020-21 contests vs. Oregon were eventually canceled due to Covid-19 protocols. The first scheduled meeting of 2021-22 (Jan. 13, 2022) was had to be postponed for the same reason.
• Nearly two years elapsed between meetings (Feb. 9, 2020 - Feb. 1, 2022) when ASU and Oregon made up the initial postponement on Feb. 1, 2022 in Eugene, a game won by the Ducks 72-58. ASU evened the season series when it upset the No. 19 Ducks 55-49 on Feb. 6, 2022.
• On Jan. 10, 2020, the Sun Devils upset the second-ranked Ducks 72-66 in Tempe.
CURRENT STORYLINES (STATS LISTED ARE AS OF FEB. 24)
• ASU leads the Pac-12 in fewest TOs per game (12.2/8th in the nation), is 2nd in the conference in FTs made (14.31/45th in the nation) and attempted (2nd/19.58) per game and TO margin (+2.77) and is 6th in offensive rebounds per game (13.1) and free throw pct. (73.1). In Pac-12 games, ASU is 1st in turnover margin (+4.40), 5th in steals per game (6.87) and 6th in offensive rebounds per game (11.87). ASU has forced a season-high 20 turnovers five times this season. All five instances have come in ASU's last 11 games. ASU is +6.3 in turnover margin during that stretch.
• ASU's average of 12.2 turnovers per game is No. 2 in school history. ASU set the school record of 11.7 in 2017-18 and followed that with 12.5 in 2018-19.
• Tyi Skinner (23x/26 games) and Jaddan Simmons (21/25 games), have combined to score in double figures 44x out of a possible 51 opportunities.
• Skinner's current per-game scoring average of 19.2 ppg is tied for No. 4 in program history (Olivia Jones/1982-83 season). Sun Devil Hall of Famer Kym Hampton is the only player in school history to average 20 or more points in a season. She did it in 1981-82 (21.3 ppg) and again in 1993-84 (20.2 ppg). In addition, with nine triples in ASU's last four games, Skinner (62 makes from long range/5th place) has quickly ascended up the program's single-season Top 10 for most 3-pointers. Katie Hempen (76 in 2014-15) is No. 1.
• Only four players have played in all 26 games: Skinner (26 starts), Kayla Mokwuah (23 starts), Meg Newman (5 starts) and Trayanna Crisp (6 starts). Both Simmons and Treasure Hunt have missed one game due to illness/injury. Both have started all 25 games they have played in. As of Feb. 24, ASU has three of the top six players in the Pac-12 in minutes per game: 2. Simmons (36.49), 3. Skinner (36.21), 6. Hunt (34.02).
IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE NAME TYI SKINNER YET... GET READY
Junior guard Tyi Skinner, who transferred to ASU from Delaware, quickly ascended to 'must-see' status for all basketball fans. As of Feb. 24, Skinner, who has scored in double figures in all but three games, is 2nd in the Pac-12 and 27th in the nation in scoring (19.2 ppg). She is also among the Pac-12's leaders in 3-pointers per game (2nd/2.38), FTs made (3rd/112) and attempted (3rd/143), minutes per game (3rd/36.21/32nd in the nation), steals (6th/1.77), 3-point FG pct. (6th/35.0) and FT pct. (7th/78.3). In ASU's contest at Cal (Jan. 2), Skinner scored 13 points and pulled down a team- and career-high 10 rebs for the first double-double of her career.
Currently the owner 14 20-point games this season (2nd in Pac-12), Skinner reached 1,000 career points vs. Arizona on Jan. 22. On Dec. 4 vs. Missouri, Skinner tied her career high in scoring for the second time in three games (29 points) and came one triple short of tying the single-game school record after hitting six vs. the Tigers. Skinner again connected on six 3-pointers in her 28-point effort at UCLA (Feb. 5). Most recently, Skinner has gone off for 27 points 2x in last 3 games: vs. Colorado (Feb. 10), at OSU (Feb. 23).
Skinner's current scoring average of 19.2 ppg, is tied for No. 4 in program annals going back to 1979. Only Sun Devil Sports Hall of Famer Kym Hampton has ever averaged more than 20 points in a season. She did it in 1982 (21.3 ppg) and again in 1984 (20.2 ppg). In addition, Skinner's 62 triples are tied for No. 5 in a single season.
Most avg ppg (season)
1. Kym Hampton (1981-82) – 21.3
2. Kym Hampton (1983-84) – 20.2
3. Karen O'Connor (1988-89) – 19.5
4. Tyi Skinner (2022-23) – 19.2
Olivia Jones (1982-83) – 19.2
Most 3-pointers (season)
1. Katie Hempen (2014-15) – 76
2. Courtney Ekmark (2018-19) – 68
3. Katie Hempen (2015-16) – 65
Briann January (2008-09) – 65
5. Tyi Skinner (2022-23) – 62
Taya Hanson (2020-21) – 62
SIMMONS' SOLID, STEADY PLAY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN ASU'S SUCCESS
Among returning players, Jaddan Simmons is ASU's most experienced player (75 starts/75 games). As great as Simmons' play was her first two seasons in Tempe, she has taken it to an even higher level this season.
A starter in all 25 games she's played this season (DNP vs. Missouri on Dec. 4/illness), Simmons has scored in double figures in all but four games this season. Her recent streak of scoring in double figures (11 games) came to an end on Feb. 19 versus Utah, when she had eight points. She was still a factor in ASU's near upset of the Utes as she tied her season high in assists (6) for the third time this season. During the aforementioned 11-game streak of scoring in double figures, Simmons averaged 13.4 ppg and led ASU in steals (2.1 spg) and assists (2.7 apg) and was 2nd in rebounds (4.5 rpg) and offensive rebounds (1.7 rpg).
Simmons, who has pulled down 5 or more rebounds 13x, currently leads ASU in minutes (36.49 mpg/2nd in P12/27th in nation) assists (3.2 apg/14th in P12) and steals (1.88 spg/3rd in P12) and is 2nd in FTs made (89/6th in P12) and attempted (118/6th in P12) and FT pct. (74.6/10th in P12).
Simmons opened the 2022-23 campaign with nine straight double-digit scoring efforts, including a career high-tying 22 points in ASU's season opener vs. Northern Arizona (Nov. 7). She made a career-high 11 FTs as part of her 19 points vs. Arizona (Jan. 22) and led or tied for the team lead in scoring in ASU's near victories vs. WSU (Jan. 27 - scored 16 of her game-high 20 points in the second half) and vs. UW (Jan. 29 - tied for team lead with 11 points had team highs with 5 assists and 2 steals.
THIS TREASURE IS NOT HIDDEN
A starter in all 25 games she's played this season and currently ASU's leader in rebounds (6.0 rpg/12th in P12), Treasure Hunt, joined ASU after playing her first two seasons at Kentucky (30 starts/45 games).
Hunt had a strong start to the season, averaging a double-double over the season's first four games (13.5 ppg/10.3 rpg). The opening sequence included 19 points in ASU's win at Montana State (Nov. 15). She averaged 4.5 ppg in her next four games, two of which came in the immediate aftermath of an injury she incurred in ASU's first loss to Notre Dame (Nov. 26). The injury caused Hunt to miss ASU's ensuing game at Grand Canyon (Nov. 30).
Hunt, who is third on the team in minutes (34.02/6th in P12), has scored in double figures 15x, with 12 of those performances coming in ASU's last 17 games. She scored 22 points in ASU's non-conference finale vs. Prairie View A&M (Dec. 17). She added her third double-double of the season (17 points/12 rebs) vs. Oregon (Jan. 6). She again topped her career high in scoring with 24 points vs. Arizona (Jan. 22).
CONTRIBUTORS APLENTY RESPONSIBLE FOR ASU'S SUCCESS
• A starter in 23 games, TCU transfer Kayla Mokwuah (12.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg last 2) leads ASU in offensive rebs (2.1 rpg/14th in P12) and blocks per game (0.8/14 of 20 blocks have come in last 12 games), is 3rd on the team in rebs (4.9rpg/6 or more rebs 11x this season) and 4th in scoring (5.9 ppg). Mokwuah's second career double-double (16 points, 13 rebs) proved critical in ASU's OT win at New Mexico (Nov. 20). She also scored in double figures vs. Grambling (Nov. 11 - 10 points) & vs. then-No. 4 Utah (Feb. 19 - 11 points) and at OSU (Feb. 23 - 14 points).
• In ASU's games vs. Prairie View A&M (Dec. 17) and at Arizona (Dec. 29), Meg Newman came off the bench and provided ASU with a pair of big-time efforts: 11.0 ppg/13.5 rpg. Newman had career highs in points (12) and rebounds (18) for her first career double-double in ASU's win over PVAM. Newman's 18 boards were the most by a Sun Devil since Ja'Tavia Tapley (also 18) in 2019 vs. BYU. Newman leads the team in FG pct. (45.9) and is 2nd in rebounds (5.3 rpg).
• Freshman guard Trayanna Crisp, who has started 6 games, averaged double figures in scoring (11.5 ppg) and connected on 60 pct of her field goals (9-15) at the Goombay Splash (Nov. 25-26). Crisp, who made her first career start in place of Jaddan Simmons (illness) vs. Missouri on Dec. 4, is currently 3rd on the team in assists per game (1.3), 4th in 3-pointers per game (0.5) and 5th in scoring (5.4 ppg). She's had a season-high 5 assists 3x and 5 rebounds 2x. Crisp averaged double figures in scoring in consecutive games for the second time this season vs. WSU (Jan. 27/11 points) and vs. UW (Jan. 29/9 points).
• Junior guard Sydney Erikstrup is 4th on the team in 3-pointers per game (0.5). She posted scored a then-career high 11 points 3 triples in ASU's comeback win at GCU (Nov. 30). On Feb. 19, Erikstrup recorded her first career double-double when she put career highs in points (15) and rebounds (10) and tied her career high in triples (3) vs. then-No. 4 Utah.
• In the 20 games Isadora Sousa has played in – missed five games due to injury, was injured less than three minutes into game vs. Oregon (Jan. 6) and was limited to only 10 minutes vs. Arizona (Jan. 22) – she has connected on 45.2 pct of her FGs. Sousa had a career-high 12 rebounds vs. American (Nov. 25) and scored a career high-tying 7 points in consecutive games (at Stanford/Dec. 31 and at Cal/Jan. 2). Sousa contributed 5.0 ppg and 3.0 rpg while averaging 20 minutes per game vs. WSU (Jan. 27) and UW (Jan. 29). She added 5 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists while playing a career-high 34 minutes vs. Stanford (Feb. 12). Sousa scored 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in ASU's near upset of then-No. 4 Utah (Feb. 5).
INJURIES ALL TOO COMMON THEME IN 2022-23
On the last day of November, ASU found itself with a 6-1 record after they overcame an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit in a dramatic 80-72 win at Grand Canyon. Three consecutive losses followed before ASU got win No. 7. During the three-game losing streak, the talented depth that was a major factor in the team's success was dramatically reduced due to an unlucky spate of injuries/illness. At the start of the month, ASU had eight players who were averaging double figures in minutes. And that number did not include junior center Imogen Greenslade and freshman forward Journey Thompson, two players who were gradually seeing increased playing time.
After accounting for 6 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block in the fourth quarter of ASU's comeback win at GCU (Nov. 30), Thompson had her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds vs. UMass (Dec. 2). However, Thompson was injured prior to ASU's following game vs. Missouri (Dec. 4). In her first game back (also her first career starting assignment), Thompson accounted for 11 points and six rebounds in ASU's win over Prairie View A&M (Dec. 17). She only played in 14 minutes in ASU's first three Pac-12 contests, including a DNP at Stanford (Dec. 31), due to illness. The following week, Thompson pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds vs. Oregon State (Jan. 8). She has not played since the OSU game due to injury.
In addition to not having Thompson vs. Missouri (Dec. 4), ASU was without junior guard Jaddan Simmons (the team's second-leading scorer) and senior guard Isadora Sousa (averaged seven rebounds in three most recent outings in addition to providing ASU with an important defensive presence).
In ASU's 75-60 loss at SFA on Dec. 11, the Sun Devils had nearly as many players in uniform (eight) as players who were not suited up (six). The latter group was comprised of injured players and played a major factor in the outcome. Simmons was back in the lineup but Greenslade was not available in addition to Thompson and Sousa. Thus, for the second straight game, ASU had seven players who accounted for nearly all the minutes. Just like in its loss to Missouri, ASU looked every bit the team that had won six of its first seven games – for the first 20 minutes. The final result? Just like against Missouri, fresher bodies enabled the opposition to outscore and out rebound ASU.
In its non-conference finale, an 82-67 win over Prairie View A&M, freshman guard Jaylah Robinson made her first career appearance after missing the first 10 games. It remains Robinson's only appearance this season.
At the start of Pac-12 play, ASU was boosted by the return of Sousa, who played at Arizona for the first time since Nov. 30. After accounting for five points, five rebounds in her return, Sousa scored a season-high seven points in ASU's next two games at Stanford (Dec. 31) and at Cal (Jan. 2). Sousa once again went down with an injury less than three minutes into ASU's contest vs. Oregon (Jan. 6). She missed ASU's game vs. OSU (Jan. 8) before being limited to nine minutes vs. Arizona (Jan. 22).
ASU's injury situation reached its nadir the second week in January when it had to forfeit games at Utah (Jan. 13) and at Colorado (Jan. 15) due to not having enough healthy players to play.
Greenslade returned to play at USC (Feb. 3), her first action since Dec. 4. She had a season high in scoring (6 points) in the first half vs. Cal (Feb. 10), before being forced to leave the game due to injury.
DEVILS HAVE BEEN WITHOUT PAIR OF DIFFERENCE MAKERS ALL SEASON
In addition to all the injuries ASU has incurred throughout the regular season, there are two additional players – returning junior G/F Maggie Besselink and sophomore transfer G Morasha Wiggins (North Carolina) – who have not played this season due to injury. If healthy, both players would almost certainly be significant contributors.
A versatile scorer, Besselink started 21 of 30 games she played in her first two seasons at ASU and was among the team leaders in rebounds and offensive rebounds both seasons. A rising star in the Canadian national program, in the summer of 2019 Besselink was named to Canada's U19 national team. In February, 2020, Besselink traveled to the NBA All-Star Game in Chicago to participate in the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, which invites the top international 64 girls and boys from 34 countries and regions.
ESPN ranked Wiggins as the nation's No. 18 prospect in the class of 2021. A three-time all-state selection at Kalamazoo Central, she one of five finalists for the 2021 Miss Basketball award and received Division 1 co-Player of Year honors from the Associated Press as a senior. She was part of signing class at UNC that was ranked No. 3 by ESPN.
CHALLENGING NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE INCLUDED EIGHT TEAMS THAT QUALIFIED FOR POSTSEASON PLAY IN 2022
Contests against eight teams that qualified for postseason play last season highlighted ASU's 2022 non-conference schedule.
ASU played five of its non-conference games at home. Included in those games were tilts against 2022 NCAA Tournament participant and Atlantic-10 champion UMass (Dec. 2/L, 64-88) and 2022 WNIT participant Missouri (Dec. 4/L, 60-71) in the Briann January Classic. In the latter contest, a sudden spate of injuries proved too much for ASU to overcome. The Sun Devils led the Tigers 31-28 at the half. ASU's lack of depth due to its injury situation affected its ability to defend a Missouri squad with a proven knack for scoring the basketball. Ultimately, the Tigers came away with the win.
At the Goombay Splash (Nov. 25-26/Bimini, Bahamas) ASU faced two 2022 NCAA Tournament teams in the form of American (NCAA First Round and Patriot League Tournament champions, W, 70-61) and current No. 5 Notre Dame (NCAA Third Round/L, 65-85). The Sun Devils led the Irish by three points at the half and were tied with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter before Notre Dame used a 12-2 run to gain control of the game on its way to the win.
Other teams ASU faced that qualified for 2022 postseason play included road contests against Montana State (Nov. 15/NCAA First Round/W, 74-61), New Mexico (Nov. 20/WNIT Third Round, W, 83-77-OT), Grand Canyon (Nov. 30/WNIT First Round/W, 80-72) and Stephen F. Austin (Dec. 11/NCAA First Round/L, 60-75).
WHEN: Saturday at 1 p.m. MST
WHERE: Matthew Knight Arena • Eugene, Ore.
TV: Pac-12 Oregon
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060
LIVE STATS: Click here
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team will attempt to close out the regular season on a winning streak and take momentum into next week's Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas when it plays at Oregon (15-13, 6-11 Pac-12) on Saturday (1 p.m. MST).
Although ASU (8-18, 1-16 Pac-12) came into this weekend still seeking its first Pac-12 win, it was clearly a much-improved team from the one that started league play at UA on Dec. 29. Although its improvement had yet to be reflected in its record, it could not be lost that it found itself in position to claim victory in four of its previous eight contests: vs. WSU (L, 61-57), vs. UW (L, 55-53), then-No. 21 Colorado (70-62), then-No. 4 Utah (74-69). The losses to the Buffaloes and Utes offered evidence of ASU's improvement, not only in that it nearly came away with wins in both games, but also the quality of competition in those contests.
Given the perseverance ASU has displayed all season, perhaps it was fitting that to capture its first league win, it would have to overcome what seemed to be improbable odds. That's just what happened at Oregon State on Thursday night. Despite trailing by as many as 17 points in the second half, ASU willed its way to a 75-73 win over the Beavers. Led by Skinner, who recorded her 14th 20-point game by scoring 19 of her game-high 27 points in the second half, ASU overcame its second-largest deficit to win since it pulled off the biggest comeback in school history, scoring the last 20 points of the game to erase an 18-point deficit vs. Utah on Feb. 17, 2019.
Four players scored in double-figures for the Sun Devils: Tyi Skinner (27 points), Kayla Moukwah (14), Treasure Hunt (13) and Jaddan Simmons (12 points). For the second time this season ASU scored 30 points or more points (30) in the fourth quarter – ASU scored a school record 35 points in the fourth quarter to overcome an 11-point deficit at Grand Canyon on Nov. 30 – as part of a 49-point second half, the most points it has scored in a half this season. ASU was perfect from the line (14-14), its most makes with 10 or more attempts since it went 16-16 at Arizona, Jan. 12, 2008. The Sun Devils also tied their fewest turnover total (8) for the third time this season (8). For ASU head coach Natasha Adair, the win was No. 175 of her career.
SERIES NOTES VERSUS OREGON
• Oregon captured the first meeting of the season 82-62 in Tempe. UO outscored ASU 44-22 in the middle two quarters. Skinner scored a game-high 20 points and Hunt chimed in with a double-double (17 points and 12 rebounds), which included a trio of triples.
• Both of ASU's 2020-21 contests vs. Oregon were eventually canceled due to Covid-19 protocols. The first scheduled meeting of 2021-22 (Jan. 13, 2022) was had to be postponed for the same reason.
• Nearly two years elapsed between meetings (Feb. 9, 2020 - Feb. 1, 2022) when ASU and Oregon made up the initial postponement on Feb. 1, 2022 in Eugene, a game won by the Ducks 72-58. ASU evened the season series when it upset the No. 19 Ducks 55-49 on Feb. 6, 2022.
• On Jan. 10, 2020, the Sun Devils upset the second-ranked Ducks 72-66 in Tempe.
CURRENT STORYLINES (STATS LISTED ARE AS OF FEB. 24)
• ASU leads the Pac-12 in fewest TOs per game (12.2/8th in the nation), is 2nd in the conference in FTs made (14.31/45th in the nation) and attempted (2nd/19.58) per game and TO margin (+2.77) and is 6th in offensive rebounds per game (13.1) and free throw pct. (73.1). In Pac-12 games, ASU is 1st in turnover margin (+4.40), 5th in steals per game (6.87) and 6th in offensive rebounds per game (11.87). ASU has forced a season-high 20 turnovers five times this season. All five instances have come in ASU's last 11 games. ASU is +6.3 in turnover margin during that stretch.
• ASU's average of 12.2 turnovers per game is No. 2 in school history. ASU set the school record of 11.7 in 2017-18 and followed that with 12.5 in 2018-19.
• Tyi Skinner (23x/26 games) and Jaddan Simmons (21/25 games), have combined to score in double figures 44x out of a possible 51 opportunities.
• Skinner's current per-game scoring average of 19.2 ppg is tied for No. 4 in program history (Olivia Jones/1982-83 season). Sun Devil Hall of Famer Kym Hampton is the only player in school history to average 20 or more points in a season. She did it in 1981-82 (21.3 ppg) and again in 1993-84 (20.2 ppg). In addition, with nine triples in ASU's last four games, Skinner (62 makes from long range/5th place) has quickly ascended up the program's single-season Top 10 for most 3-pointers. Katie Hempen (76 in 2014-15) is No. 1.
• Only four players have played in all 26 games: Skinner (26 starts), Kayla Mokwuah (23 starts), Meg Newman (5 starts) and Trayanna Crisp (6 starts). Both Simmons and Treasure Hunt have missed one game due to illness/injury. Both have started all 25 games they have played in. As of Feb. 24, ASU has three of the top six players in the Pac-12 in minutes per game: 2. Simmons (36.49), 3. Skinner (36.21), 6. Hunt (34.02).
IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE NAME TYI SKINNER YET... GET READY
Junior guard Tyi Skinner, who transferred to ASU from Delaware, quickly ascended to 'must-see' status for all basketball fans. As of Feb. 24, Skinner, who has scored in double figures in all but three games, is 2nd in the Pac-12 and 27th in the nation in scoring (19.2 ppg). She is also among the Pac-12's leaders in 3-pointers per game (2nd/2.38), FTs made (3rd/112) and attempted (3rd/143), minutes per game (3rd/36.21/32nd in the nation), steals (6th/1.77), 3-point FG pct. (6th/35.0) and FT pct. (7th/78.3). In ASU's contest at Cal (Jan. 2), Skinner scored 13 points and pulled down a team- and career-high 10 rebs for the first double-double of her career.
Currently the owner 14 20-point games this season (2nd in Pac-12), Skinner reached 1,000 career points vs. Arizona on Jan. 22. On Dec. 4 vs. Missouri, Skinner tied her career high in scoring for the second time in three games (29 points) and came one triple short of tying the single-game school record after hitting six vs. the Tigers. Skinner again connected on six 3-pointers in her 28-point effort at UCLA (Feb. 5). Most recently, Skinner has gone off for 27 points 2x in last 3 games: vs. Colorado (Feb. 10), at OSU (Feb. 23).
Skinner's current scoring average of 19.2 ppg, is tied for No. 4 in program annals going back to 1979. Only Sun Devil Sports Hall of Famer Kym Hampton has ever averaged more than 20 points in a season. She did it in 1982 (21.3 ppg) and again in 1984 (20.2 ppg). In addition, Skinner's 62 triples are tied for No. 5 in a single season.
Most avg ppg (season)
1. Kym Hampton (1981-82) – 21.3
2. Kym Hampton (1983-84) – 20.2
3. Karen O'Connor (1988-89) – 19.5
4. Tyi Skinner (2022-23) – 19.2
Olivia Jones (1982-83) – 19.2
Most 3-pointers (season)
1. Katie Hempen (2014-15) – 76
2. Courtney Ekmark (2018-19) – 68
3. Katie Hempen (2015-16) – 65
Briann January (2008-09) – 65
5. Tyi Skinner (2022-23) – 62
Taya Hanson (2020-21) – 62
SIMMONS' SOLID, STEADY PLAY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN ASU'S SUCCESS
Among returning players, Jaddan Simmons is ASU's most experienced player (75 starts/75 games). As great as Simmons' play was her first two seasons in Tempe, she has taken it to an even higher level this season.
A starter in all 25 games she's played this season (DNP vs. Missouri on Dec. 4/illness), Simmons has scored in double figures in all but four games this season. Her recent streak of scoring in double figures (11 games) came to an end on Feb. 19 versus Utah, when she had eight points. She was still a factor in ASU's near upset of the Utes as she tied her season high in assists (6) for the third time this season. During the aforementioned 11-game streak of scoring in double figures, Simmons averaged 13.4 ppg and led ASU in steals (2.1 spg) and assists (2.7 apg) and was 2nd in rebounds (4.5 rpg) and offensive rebounds (1.7 rpg).
Simmons, who has pulled down 5 or more rebounds 13x, currently leads ASU in minutes (36.49 mpg/2nd in P12/27th in nation) assists (3.2 apg/14th in P12) and steals (1.88 spg/3rd in P12) and is 2nd in FTs made (89/6th in P12) and attempted (118/6th in P12) and FT pct. (74.6/10th in P12).
Simmons opened the 2022-23 campaign with nine straight double-digit scoring efforts, including a career high-tying 22 points in ASU's season opener vs. Northern Arizona (Nov. 7). She made a career-high 11 FTs as part of her 19 points vs. Arizona (Jan. 22) and led or tied for the team lead in scoring in ASU's near victories vs. WSU (Jan. 27 - scored 16 of her game-high 20 points in the second half) and vs. UW (Jan. 29 - tied for team lead with 11 points had team highs with 5 assists and 2 steals.
THIS TREASURE IS NOT HIDDEN
A starter in all 25 games she's played this season and currently ASU's leader in rebounds (6.0 rpg/12th in P12), Treasure Hunt, joined ASU after playing her first two seasons at Kentucky (30 starts/45 games).
Hunt had a strong start to the season, averaging a double-double over the season's first four games (13.5 ppg/10.3 rpg). The opening sequence included 19 points in ASU's win at Montana State (Nov. 15). She averaged 4.5 ppg in her next four games, two of which came in the immediate aftermath of an injury she incurred in ASU's first loss to Notre Dame (Nov. 26). The injury caused Hunt to miss ASU's ensuing game at Grand Canyon (Nov. 30).
Hunt, who is third on the team in minutes (34.02/6th in P12), has scored in double figures 15x, with 12 of those performances coming in ASU's last 17 games. She scored 22 points in ASU's non-conference finale vs. Prairie View A&M (Dec. 17). She added her third double-double of the season (17 points/12 rebs) vs. Oregon (Jan. 6). She again topped her career high in scoring with 24 points vs. Arizona (Jan. 22).
CONTRIBUTORS APLENTY RESPONSIBLE FOR ASU'S SUCCESS
• A starter in 23 games, TCU transfer Kayla Mokwuah (12.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg last 2) leads ASU in offensive rebs (2.1 rpg/14th in P12) and blocks per game (0.8/14 of 20 blocks have come in last 12 games), is 3rd on the team in rebs (4.9rpg/6 or more rebs 11x this season) and 4th in scoring (5.9 ppg). Mokwuah's second career double-double (16 points, 13 rebs) proved critical in ASU's OT win at New Mexico (Nov. 20). She also scored in double figures vs. Grambling (Nov. 11 - 10 points) & vs. then-No. 4 Utah (Feb. 19 - 11 points) and at OSU (Feb. 23 - 14 points).
• In ASU's games vs. Prairie View A&M (Dec. 17) and at Arizona (Dec. 29), Meg Newman came off the bench and provided ASU with a pair of big-time efforts: 11.0 ppg/13.5 rpg. Newman had career highs in points (12) and rebounds (18) for her first career double-double in ASU's win over PVAM. Newman's 18 boards were the most by a Sun Devil since Ja'Tavia Tapley (also 18) in 2019 vs. BYU. Newman leads the team in FG pct. (45.9) and is 2nd in rebounds (5.3 rpg).
• Freshman guard Trayanna Crisp, who has started 6 games, averaged double figures in scoring (11.5 ppg) and connected on 60 pct of her field goals (9-15) at the Goombay Splash (Nov. 25-26). Crisp, who made her first career start in place of Jaddan Simmons (illness) vs. Missouri on Dec. 4, is currently 3rd on the team in assists per game (1.3), 4th in 3-pointers per game (0.5) and 5th in scoring (5.4 ppg). She's had a season-high 5 assists 3x and 5 rebounds 2x. Crisp averaged double figures in scoring in consecutive games for the second time this season vs. WSU (Jan. 27/11 points) and vs. UW (Jan. 29/9 points).
• Junior guard Sydney Erikstrup is 4th on the team in 3-pointers per game (0.5). She posted scored a then-career high 11 points 3 triples in ASU's comeback win at GCU (Nov. 30). On Feb. 19, Erikstrup recorded her first career double-double when she put career highs in points (15) and rebounds (10) and tied her career high in triples (3) vs. then-No. 4 Utah.
• In the 20 games Isadora Sousa has played in – missed five games due to injury, was injured less than three minutes into game vs. Oregon (Jan. 6) and was limited to only 10 minutes vs. Arizona (Jan. 22) – she has connected on 45.2 pct of her FGs. Sousa had a career-high 12 rebounds vs. American (Nov. 25) and scored a career high-tying 7 points in consecutive games (at Stanford/Dec. 31 and at Cal/Jan. 2). Sousa contributed 5.0 ppg and 3.0 rpg while averaging 20 minutes per game vs. WSU (Jan. 27) and UW (Jan. 29). She added 5 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists while playing a career-high 34 minutes vs. Stanford (Feb. 12). Sousa scored 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in ASU's near upset of then-No. 4 Utah (Feb. 5).
INJURIES ALL TOO COMMON THEME IN 2022-23
On the last day of November, ASU found itself with a 6-1 record after they overcame an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit in a dramatic 80-72 win at Grand Canyon. Three consecutive losses followed before ASU got win No. 7. During the three-game losing streak, the talented depth that was a major factor in the team's success was dramatically reduced due to an unlucky spate of injuries/illness. At the start of the month, ASU had eight players who were averaging double figures in minutes. And that number did not include junior center Imogen Greenslade and freshman forward Journey Thompson, two players who were gradually seeing increased playing time.
After accounting for 6 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block in the fourth quarter of ASU's comeback win at GCU (Nov. 30), Thompson had her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds vs. UMass (Dec. 2). However, Thompson was injured prior to ASU's following game vs. Missouri (Dec. 4). In her first game back (also her first career starting assignment), Thompson accounted for 11 points and six rebounds in ASU's win over Prairie View A&M (Dec. 17). She only played in 14 minutes in ASU's first three Pac-12 contests, including a DNP at Stanford (Dec. 31), due to illness. The following week, Thompson pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds vs. Oregon State (Jan. 8). She has not played since the OSU game due to injury.
In addition to not having Thompson vs. Missouri (Dec. 4), ASU was without junior guard Jaddan Simmons (the team's second-leading scorer) and senior guard Isadora Sousa (averaged seven rebounds in three most recent outings in addition to providing ASU with an important defensive presence).
In ASU's 75-60 loss at SFA on Dec. 11, the Sun Devils had nearly as many players in uniform (eight) as players who were not suited up (six). The latter group was comprised of injured players and played a major factor in the outcome. Simmons was back in the lineup but Greenslade was not available in addition to Thompson and Sousa. Thus, for the second straight game, ASU had seven players who accounted for nearly all the minutes. Just like in its loss to Missouri, ASU looked every bit the team that had won six of its first seven games – for the first 20 minutes. The final result? Just like against Missouri, fresher bodies enabled the opposition to outscore and out rebound ASU.
In its non-conference finale, an 82-67 win over Prairie View A&M, freshman guard Jaylah Robinson made her first career appearance after missing the first 10 games. It remains Robinson's only appearance this season.
At the start of Pac-12 play, ASU was boosted by the return of Sousa, who played at Arizona for the first time since Nov. 30. After accounting for five points, five rebounds in her return, Sousa scored a season-high seven points in ASU's next two games at Stanford (Dec. 31) and at Cal (Jan. 2). Sousa once again went down with an injury less than three minutes into ASU's contest vs. Oregon (Jan. 6). She missed ASU's game vs. OSU (Jan. 8) before being limited to nine minutes vs. Arizona (Jan. 22).
ASU's injury situation reached its nadir the second week in January when it had to forfeit games at Utah (Jan. 13) and at Colorado (Jan. 15) due to not having enough healthy players to play.
Greenslade returned to play at USC (Feb. 3), her first action since Dec. 4. She had a season high in scoring (6 points) in the first half vs. Cal (Feb. 10), before being forced to leave the game due to injury.
DEVILS HAVE BEEN WITHOUT PAIR OF DIFFERENCE MAKERS ALL SEASON
In addition to all the injuries ASU has incurred throughout the regular season, there are two additional players – returning junior G/F Maggie Besselink and sophomore transfer G Morasha Wiggins (North Carolina) – who have not played this season due to injury. If healthy, both players would almost certainly be significant contributors.
A versatile scorer, Besselink started 21 of 30 games she played in her first two seasons at ASU and was among the team leaders in rebounds and offensive rebounds both seasons. A rising star in the Canadian national program, in the summer of 2019 Besselink was named to Canada's U19 national team. In February, 2020, Besselink traveled to the NBA All-Star Game in Chicago to participate in the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, which invites the top international 64 girls and boys from 34 countries and regions.
ESPN ranked Wiggins as the nation's No. 18 prospect in the class of 2021. A three-time all-state selection at Kalamazoo Central, she one of five finalists for the 2021 Miss Basketball award and received Division 1 co-Player of Year honors from the Associated Press as a senior. She was part of signing class at UNC that was ranked No. 3 by ESPN.
CHALLENGING NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE INCLUDED EIGHT TEAMS THAT QUALIFIED FOR POSTSEASON PLAY IN 2022
Contests against eight teams that qualified for postseason play last season highlighted ASU's 2022 non-conference schedule.
ASU played five of its non-conference games at home. Included in those games were tilts against 2022 NCAA Tournament participant and Atlantic-10 champion UMass (Dec. 2/L, 64-88) and 2022 WNIT participant Missouri (Dec. 4/L, 60-71) in the Briann January Classic. In the latter contest, a sudden spate of injuries proved too much for ASU to overcome. The Sun Devils led the Tigers 31-28 at the half. ASU's lack of depth due to its injury situation affected its ability to defend a Missouri squad with a proven knack for scoring the basketball. Ultimately, the Tigers came away with the win.
At the Goombay Splash (Nov. 25-26/Bimini, Bahamas) ASU faced two 2022 NCAA Tournament teams in the form of American (NCAA First Round and Patriot League Tournament champions, W, 70-61) and current No. 5 Notre Dame (NCAA Third Round/L, 65-85). The Sun Devils led the Irish by three points at the half and were tied with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter before Notre Dame used a 12-2 run to gain control of the game on its way to the win.
Other teams ASU faced that qualified for 2022 postseason play included road contests against Montana State (Nov. 15/NCAA First Round/W, 74-61), New Mexico (Nov. 20/WNIT Third Round, W, 83-77-OT), Grand Canyon (Nov. 30/WNIT First Round/W, 80-72) and Stephen F. Austin (Dec. 11/NCAA First Round/L, 60-75).