THE GAME: Sun Devil WBB (7-15, 0-13 Pac-12) vs. No. 6/5 Stanford (23-3, 11-2 Pac-12)
WHEN: Sunday at 12 p.m. MST
WHERE: Desert Financial Arena • Tempe, Ariz.
TV: Pac-12 Network/Bay Area
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060
LIVE STATS: Click here
PURCHASE TICKETS: Click here
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team (7-15, 0-13 Pac-12) plays the second of its final four home games on Sunday (12 pm MST) when it hosts No. 6 Stanford (23-3, 11-2). ASU will close out its 2022-23 home schedule when No. 25 Colorado & No. 7 Utah visit Tempe next weekend. The Sun Devils will conclude the regular season at Oregon State (Feb. 23)/at Oregon (Feb. 25).
On Friday night, ASU came up short in its bid to get into the Pac-12 win column, falling to Cal 72-61. Tyi Skinner (17 points) and Jaddan Simmons (14 points, career-high six steals) combined for 31 points. ASU forced a season-high 20 turnovers for the fourth time this season while committing only 10 turnovers, the eighth time this season it has had 10 or fewer turnovers.
Sunday's game is rematch of Stanford's 101-69 win in the Bay Area on New Year's Eve. The difficulty of ASU's task of trying to upset the No. 2 team on its homecourt became exponentially more difficult after the Cardinal jumped out to a 16-3 lead. The first meeting came after an awkward start-and-stop sequence for the Sun Devils. Following a stretch in December in which ASU played only two games in 23 days, it resumed play with its first three conference games of the season – at Arizona, at Stanford, at Cal – over a five-day stretch. The sequence of games also coincided around the time ASU head coach Natasha Adair and her staff were figuring out how the team would compete in the toughest conference in the country while in the middle of a spate of injuries that would plague it after an impressive 6-1 start.
Injuries took such a toll on ASU's roster that it would have to forfeit games at Utah (Jan. 13) and at Colorado (Jan. 15) the third week of conference play because of not having enough healthy players to compete.
Last weekend, ASU dropped contests at USC (64-49) and at UCLA (82-63). Skinner led ASU in scoring (21.0 ppg) and 3-pointers (7) and tied for the team lead in steals (1.5 spg). Skinner scored a team-high 14 points at USC and went off for a game-high 28 points (one point short of matching her career high) at UCLA, the most points the Bruins have allowed an opposing player to score this season. Also at UCLA for the second time this season Skinner knocked down a career high-tying six 3-pointers, one triple short of matching the program's single-game record. Skinner (21.0 ppg) and fellow junior guards Treasure Hunt (14.0 ppg) and Jaddan Simmons (11.0 ppg), combined to average 46.0 ppg in the two games. Simmons, who has the team's longest current streak of scoring in double figures (nine games) led ASU in rebounding (6.0 rpg).
SERIES NOTES VERSUS STANFORD
• Stanford has won 12 of the last 17 meetings, with victories in nine straight games, including the only meeting of the 2021-22 season, 78-50 in the Bay Area.
• ASU's last win over Stanford came on Jan. 7, 2018, a 73-66 triumph in Tempe.
• The 60-57 win at Stanford in Jan 2015 was ASU's first over the Cardinal since 2006 and the first at Stanford since 1984.
CURRENT STORYLINES (STATS LISTED ARE AS OF FEB. 11)
• ASU is ranked in the top half of the Pac-12 in free throws attempts per game (1st/19.95/48th in the nation), free throw makes per game (2nd/14.5/36th in the nation), fewest turnovers per game (3rd/12.5/13th in the nation), turnover margin (3rd/+2.32) and offensive rebounds per game (5th/13.2). In Pac-12 games, ASU is No. 2 in the league in turnover margin (+4.1).
• ASU had a season-high 14 steals vs. Cal on Friday, the fourth time it recorded double-digit steals this season (3x last 7 games).
• ASU's 20 made FTs on Friday represented the 7th time this season it has made 20 or more FTs in a game.
• Only four players have played in all 22 games: Tyi Skinner (22 starts), Kayla Mokwuah (19 starts), Meg Newman (5 starts) and Trayanna Crisp (6 starts). As of Feb. 11, ASU has three of the top four players in the Pac-12 in minutes played per game: 1. Jaddan Simmons (37.03 mpg), 3. Tyi Skinner (35.87 mpg), 4. Treasure Hunt (34.56 mpg).
• Skinner (20x in 22 games) and Simmons (18x in 21 games), have combined to score in double figures 38x out of a possible 43 opportunities this season.
• Over the last seven games, Simmons, who currently has team's longest streak of scoring in double figures (9 games), is averaging 14.1 ppg and leads the team in rebounding (5.3 rpg), steals (2.7 rpg), assists (2.7 rpg), FTs made (25) and attempted (34) and minutes per game (38.4).
IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE NAME TYI SKINNER YET... GET READY
Junior guard Tyi Skinner, who transferred to ASU from Delaware in the offseason, quickly ascended to 'must-see' status for all basketball fans. As of Feb. 11, Skinner, who has scored in double figures in all but two games (Jan. 23 vs. Arizona, Jan. 27 vs. Washington St.), is 3rd in the Pac-12 and 29th in the nation in scoring (18.8 ppg). She is also among the Pac-12's leaders in minutes per game (3rd/35.87/36th in the nation), 3-pointers per game (3rd/2.4), free throws made (3rd/91) and attempted (4th/117), 3-point FG percentage (7th/34.9), and free throw percentage (9th/77.8). In ASU's contest at Cal last month (Jan. 2), Skinner scored 13 points and pulled down a team- and career-high 10 rebounds for the first double-double of her career.
Currently the owner 11 20-point games this season (2nd in the 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 knocking down six vs. the Tigers. Skinner's current scoring average of 18.8 ppg, is No. 6 in ASU's games going back to 1979. Only one Sun Devil, ASU 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).
Year Player PPG
1982 Kym Hampton 21.3
1984 Kym Hampton 20.2
1989 Karen O'Connor 19.5
1983 Olivia Jones 19.2
1983 Kym Hampton 18.9
2023 Tyi Skinner 18.8
Skinner's 20-point efforts include consecutive 24-point efforts at New Mexico (Nov. 20) and vs. American (Nov. 25), a pair of career-high 29-point games at Grand Canyon (Nov. 30) and vs. Missouri (Dec. 4), a 26-point showing at Arizona (Dec. 29), and a 28-point performance at UCLA (Feb 5th), also a game in which she tied her career high with six triples.
SIMMONS' SOLID, STEADY PLAY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN ASU'S SUCCESS
Among returning players, Jaddan Simmons is ASU's most experienced player (71 starts/71 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 21 games she has played this season (missed ASU's game vs. Missouri on Dec. 4 due to illness), Simmons has scored in double figures in all but three games she has played in this season. She enters Sunday's game as the team leader in assists per game (3.0), minutes per game (37.03/1st in Pac-12/11th in the nation), steals per game (1.95/3rd in Pac-12), assist-to-TO ratio (1.62/11th in Pac-12) and is 2nd on the team in FT percentage (75.7/11th in Pac-12), FTs made (84/6th in Pac-12) and attempted (111/5th in the Pac-12).
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). Simmons, who has pulled down 5 or more rebounds 11x this season, made a career-high 11 FTs as part of her 19 points vs. Arizona (Jan. 22). She led or tied for the team lead in scoring in ASU's near victories vs. WSU on Jan. 27 (scored 16 of her game-high 20 points in the second half) and vs. Washington on Jan. 29 (tied for team lead with 11 points had team highs with 5 assists and 2 steals.
THIS TREASURE IS NOT HIDDEN
Treasure Hunt, who currently leads ASU in rebounds (6.2 rpg/12th in Pac-12) and 3rd in minutes per game (34.6/4th in Pac-12), 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 has scored in double figures 12x, with 9 of those performances coming in ASU's last 13 games (averaging 13.3 ppg & shooting 74.5 pct FTs/+8.2 pct higher than season pct. of 66.3). Hunt 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 topped her career high in scoring with 24 points vs. Arizona (Jan. 22).
CONTRIBUTORS APLENTY RESPONSIBLE FOR ASU'S SUCCESS
• 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 big-time efforts that included per-game averages of 11.0 ppg and 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 for a Sun Devil since Ja'Tavia Tapley pulled down 18 in 2019 vs. BYU. Newman leads the team in FG percentage (45.9) and is is 2nd in rebounds (5.9/15th in Pac-12) and offensive rebounds (2.09 rpg/tied for 15th in Pac-12).
• TCU transfer Kayla Mokwuah leads the team in offensive rebs (2.27 rpg/9th in the Pac-12) and blocks per game (0.7/10 of 16 blocks have come in last 8 games), is 3rd on the team in rebounds per game (4.9/6 or more rebounds 9x this season) and 5th in scoring (5.5 ppg). Mokwuah's second career double-double (16 points and 13 rebounds) proved critical in ASU's OT win at New Mexico (Nov. 20). She also scored in double figures (10 points) in ASU's come-from-behind win over GCU (Nov. 30).
• Freshman guard Trayanna Crisp, who has started each of ASU's last five games, averaged double figures in scoring (11.5 ppg) and connected on 60 percent 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 (1.5) and 4th in scoring (5.7 ppg). She's had a season-high 5 assists three times. 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).
• After accounting for six points, four rebounds and one block in the fourth quarter of ASU's comeback win at GCU (Nov. 30), freshman forward Journey Thompson had her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds vs. UMass (Dec. 2) before getting injured prior to ASU's following game vs. Missouri (Dec. 4). In her first start, Thompson accounted for 11 points and six rebounds in ASU's win over Prairie View A&M (Dec. 17). Thompson only played in 14 minutes in ASU's first three Pac-12 contests, including a DNP at Stanford (Dec. 31), due to illness. She pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds vs. Oregon State (Jan. 8). She has not played since the OSU game due to injury.
• Junior guard Sydney Erikstrup is tied for 4th on the team in 3-pointers per game (0.4). She posted career highs in scoring (11 points) and 3-pointers (3) in ASU's comeback win at GCU (Nov. 30).
• In the 17 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 limited to only 10 minutes vs. Arizona (Jan. 22) – she has connected on 45 pctt 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).
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.
In its loss vs. Missouri (Dec. 4), ASU was without junior guard Jaddan Simmons (the team's second-leading scorer), senior guard Isadora Sousa (averaged seven rebounds in three most recent outings in addition to providing ASU with an important defensive presence) and Thompson (after accounting for six points, four rebounds and one block in the win at GCU, Thompson was coming off her first career double-double vs. UMass on Dec. 2).
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 it played a major factor in the outcome. Simmons was back in the lineup but Greenslade was not available in addition to the other players who missed the game against Missouri. 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 out score and out rebound ASU.
In its non-conference finale, an 82-67 win over Prairie View A&M, two additional Sun Devils were available to play. Thompson, who missed ASU's previous two games, made her first career start and accounted for 11 points and six rebounds. In addition, freshman guard Jaylah Robinson made her first career appearance after missing the first 10 games.
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's return to the floor was tempered by an illness that limited the availability of Thompson, who played only 14 minutes in the three games: started at Arizona (10 minutes), missed game at Stanford and returned in a reserve role at Cal (four minutes). Thompson had a season-high 12 rebounds vs. Oregon St. (Jan. 8) but has not played since.
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.
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: Sunday at 12 p.m. MST
WHERE: Desert Financial Arena • Tempe, Ariz.
TV: Pac-12 Network/Bay Area
RADIO: KDUS AM 1060
LIVE STATS: Click here
PURCHASE TICKETS: Click here
UP NEXT
The Sun Devil women's basketball team (7-15, 0-13 Pac-12) plays the second of its final four home games on Sunday (12 pm MST) when it hosts No. 6 Stanford (23-3, 11-2). ASU will close out its 2022-23 home schedule when No. 25 Colorado & No. 7 Utah visit Tempe next weekend. The Sun Devils will conclude the regular season at Oregon State (Feb. 23)/at Oregon (Feb. 25).
On Friday night, ASU came up short in its bid to get into the Pac-12 win column, falling to Cal 72-61. Tyi Skinner (17 points) and Jaddan Simmons (14 points, career-high six steals) combined for 31 points. ASU forced a season-high 20 turnovers for the fourth time this season while committing only 10 turnovers, the eighth time this season it has had 10 or fewer turnovers.
Sunday's game is rematch of Stanford's 101-69 win in the Bay Area on New Year's Eve. The difficulty of ASU's task of trying to upset the No. 2 team on its homecourt became exponentially more difficult after the Cardinal jumped out to a 16-3 lead. The first meeting came after an awkward start-and-stop sequence for the Sun Devils. Following a stretch in December in which ASU played only two games in 23 days, it resumed play with its first three conference games of the season – at Arizona, at Stanford, at Cal – over a five-day stretch. The sequence of games also coincided around the time ASU head coach Natasha Adair and her staff were figuring out how the team would compete in the toughest conference in the country while in the middle of a spate of injuries that would plague it after an impressive 6-1 start.
Injuries took such a toll on ASU's roster that it would have to forfeit games at Utah (Jan. 13) and at Colorado (Jan. 15) the third week of conference play because of not having enough healthy players to compete.
Last weekend, ASU dropped contests at USC (64-49) and at UCLA (82-63). Skinner led ASU in scoring (21.0 ppg) and 3-pointers (7) and tied for the team lead in steals (1.5 spg). Skinner scored a team-high 14 points at USC and went off for a game-high 28 points (one point short of matching her career high) at UCLA, the most points the Bruins have allowed an opposing player to score this season. Also at UCLA for the second time this season Skinner knocked down a career high-tying six 3-pointers, one triple short of matching the program's single-game record. Skinner (21.0 ppg) and fellow junior guards Treasure Hunt (14.0 ppg) and Jaddan Simmons (11.0 ppg), combined to average 46.0 ppg in the two games. Simmons, who has the team's longest current streak of scoring in double figures (nine games) led ASU in rebounding (6.0 rpg).
SERIES NOTES VERSUS STANFORD
• Stanford has won 12 of the last 17 meetings, with victories in nine straight games, including the only meeting of the 2021-22 season, 78-50 in the Bay Area.
• ASU's last win over Stanford came on Jan. 7, 2018, a 73-66 triumph in Tempe.
• The 60-57 win at Stanford in Jan 2015 was ASU's first over the Cardinal since 2006 and the first at Stanford since 1984.
CURRENT STORYLINES (STATS LISTED ARE AS OF FEB. 11)
• ASU is ranked in the top half of the Pac-12 in free throws attempts per game (1st/19.95/48th in the nation), free throw makes per game (2nd/14.5/36th in the nation), fewest turnovers per game (3rd/12.5/13th in the nation), turnover margin (3rd/+2.32) and offensive rebounds per game (5th/13.2). In Pac-12 games, ASU is No. 2 in the league in turnover margin (+4.1).
• ASU had a season-high 14 steals vs. Cal on Friday, the fourth time it recorded double-digit steals this season (3x last 7 games).
• ASU's 20 made FTs on Friday represented the 7th time this season it has made 20 or more FTs in a game.
• Only four players have played in all 22 games: Tyi Skinner (22 starts), Kayla Mokwuah (19 starts), Meg Newman (5 starts) and Trayanna Crisp (6 starts). As of Feb. 11, ASU has three of the top four players in the Pac-12 in minutes played per game: 1. Jaddan Simmons (37.03 mpg), 3. Tyi Skinner (35.87 mpg), 4. Treasure Hunt (34.56 mpg).
• Skinner (20x in 22 games) and Simmons (18x in 21 games), have combined to score in double figures 38x out of a possible 43 opportunities this season.
• Over the last seven games, Simmons, who currently has team's longest streak of scoring in double figures (9 games), is averaging 14.1 ppg and leads the team in rebounding (5.3 rpg), steals (2.7 rpg), assists (2.7 rpg), FTs made (25) and attempted (34) and minutes per game (38.4).
IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE NAME TYI SKINNER YET... GET READY
Junior guard Tyi Skinner, who transferred to ASU from Delaware in the offseason, quickly ascended to 'must-see' status for all basketball fans. As of Feb. 11, Skinner, who has scored in double figures in all but two games (Jan. 23 vs. Arizona, Jan. 27 vs. Washington St.), is 3rd in the Pac-12 and 29th in the nation in scoring (18.8 ppg). She is also among the Pac-12's leaders in minutes per game (3rd/35.87/36th in the nation), 3-pointers per game (3rd/2.4), free throws made (3rd/91) and attempted (4th/117), 3-point FG percentage (7th/34.9), and free throw percentage (9th/77.8). In ASU's contest at Cal last month (Jan. 2), Skinner scored 13 points and pulled down a team- and career-high 10 rebounds for the first double-double of her career.
Currently the owner 11 20-point games this season (2nd in the 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 knocking down six vs. the Tigers. Skinner's current scoring average of 18.8 ppg, is No. 6 in ASU's games going back to 1979. Only one Sun Devil, ASU 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).
Year Player PPG
1982 Kym Hampton 21.3
1984 Kym Hampton 20.2
1989 Karen O'Connor 19.5
1983 Olivia Jones 19.2
1983 Kym Hampton 18.9
2023 Tyi Skinner 18.8
Skinner's 20-point efforts include consecutive 24-point efforts at New Mexico (Nov. 20) and vs. American (Nov. 25), a pair of career-high 29-point games at Grand Canyon (Nov. 30) and vs. Missouri (Dec. 4), a 26-point showing at Arizona (Dec. 29), and a 28-point performance at UCLA (Feb 5th), also a game in which she tied her career high with six triples.
SIMMONS' SOLID, STEADY PLAY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN ASU'S SUCCESS
Among returning players, Jaddan Simmons is ASU's most experienced player (71 starts/71 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 21 games she has played this season (missed ASU's game vs. Missouri on Dec. 4 due to illness), Simmons has scored in double figures in all but three games she has played in this season. She enters Sunday's game as the team leader in assists per game (3.0), minutes per game (37.03/1st in Pac-12/11th in the nation), steals per game (1.95/3rd in Pac-12), assist-to-TO ratio (1.62/11th in Pac-12) and is 2nd on the team in FT percentage (75.7/11th in Pac-12), FTs made (84/6th in Pac-12) and attempted (111/5th in the Pac-12).
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). Simmons, who has pulled down 5 or more rebounds 11x this season, made a career-high 11 FTs as part of her 19 points vs. Arizona (Jan. 22). She led or tied for the team lead in scoring in ASU's near victories vs. WSU on Jan. 27 (scored 16 of her game-high 20 points in the second half) and vs. Washington on Jan. 29 (tied for team lead with 11 points had team highs with 5 assists and 2 steals.
THIS TREASURE IS NOT HIDDEN
Treasure Hunt, who currently leads ASU in rebounds (6.2 rpg/12th in Pac-12) and 3rd in minutes per game (34.6/4th in Pac-12), 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 has scored in double figures 12x, with 9 of those performances coming in ASU's last 13 games (averaging 13.3 ppg & shooting 74.5 pct FTs/+8.2 pct higher than season pct. of 66.3). Hunt 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 topped her career high in scoring with 24 points vs. Arizona (Jan. 22).
CONTRIBUTORS APLENTY RESPONSIBLE FOR ASU'S SUCCESS
• 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 big-time efforts that included per-game averages of 11.0 ppg and 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 for a Sun Devil since Ja'Tavia Tapley pulled down 18 in 2019 vs. BYU. Newman leads the team in FG percentage (45.9) and is is 2nd in rebounds (5.9/15th in Pac-12) and offensive rebounds (2.09 rpg/tied for 15th in Pac-12).
• TCU transfer Kayla Mokwuah leads the team in offensive rebs (2.27 rpg/9th in the Pac-12) and blocks per game (0.7/10 of 16 blocks have come in last 8 games), is 3rd on the team in rebounds per game (4.9/6 or more rebounds 9x this season) and 5th in scoring (5.5 ppg). Mokwuah's second career double-double (16 points and 13 rebounds) proved critical in ASU's OT win at New Mexico (Nov. 20). She also scored in double figures (10 points) in ASU's come-from-behind win over GCU (Nov. 30).
• Freshman guard Trayanna Crisp, who has started each of ASU's last five games, averaged double figures in scoring (11.5 ppg) and connected on 60 percent 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 (1.5) and 4th in scoring (5.7 ppg). She's had a season-high 5 assists three times. 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).
• After accounting for six points, four rebounds and one block in the fourth quarter of ASU's comeback win at GCU (Nov. 30), freshman forward Journey Thompson had her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds vs. UMass (Dec. 2) before getting injured prior to ASU's following game vs. Missouri (Dec. 4). In her first start, Thompson accounted for 11 points and six rebounds in ASU's win over Prairie View A&M (Dec. 17). Thompson only played in 14 minutes in ASU's first three Pac-12 contests, including a DNP at Stanford (Dec. 31), due to illness. She pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds vs. Oregon State (Jan. 8). She has not played since the OSU game due to injury.
• Junior guard Sydney Erikstrup is tied for 4th on the team in 3-pointers per game (0.4). She posted career highs in scoring (11 points) and 3-pointers (3) in ASU's comeback win at GCU (Nov. 30).
• In the 17 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 limited to only 10 minutes vs. Arizona (Jan. 22) – she has connected on 45 pctt 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).
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.
In its loss vs. Missouri (Dec. 4), ASU was without junior guard Jaddan Simmons (the team's second-leading scorer), senior guard Isadora Sousa (averaged seven rebounds in three most recent outings in addition to providing ASU with an important defensive presence) and Thompson (after accounting for six points, four rebounds and one block in the win at GCU, Thompson was coming off her first career double-double vs. UMass on Dec. 2).
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 it played a major factor in the outcome. Simmons was back in the lineup but Greenslade was not available in addition to the other players who missed the game against Missouri. 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 out score and out rebound ASU.
In its non-conference finale, an 82-67 win over Prairie View A&M, two additional Sun Devils were available to play. Thompson, who missed ASU's previous two games, made her first career start and accounted for 11 points and six rebounds. In addition, freshman guard Jaylah Robinson made her first career appearance after missing the first 10 games.
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's return to the floor was tempered by an illness that limited the availability of Thompson, who played only 14 minutes in the three games: started at Arizona (10 minutes), missed game at Stanford and returned in a reserve role at Cal (four minutes). Thompson had a season-high 12 rebounds vs. Oregon St. (Jan. 8) but has not played since.
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.
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).