No team was able to hold a big lead. ASU (15-0, 2-0 Big 12) led by no more than five. Utah (10-4, 1-1 Big 12) led by seven, both in the third quarter. 

The final minute brought plenty of action as ASU took a two-point lead thanks to another three-pointer from Marley Washenitz. 

But it was two free throws in the final second from junior forward McKinna Brackens, which contributed to her career high of 31 points, that sealed the deal. Brackens also had seven rebounds.

This led to a 69-68 win for the Sun Devils, which moved the team to 15-0 and set the record for the longest win streak in program history.

“It's not an easy brand to play,” Head coach Molly Miller said after the win. “We put a lot of energy and effort, and you get tired on the defensive end, and a lot of people rest on the defensive end. I said, ‘No, no, we're not resting on defense. We're taking it up a level.”

The game was very defensive-heavy, which has become much more customary with Miller's arrival at ASU.

The Sun Devils’ stifling defense opposed the Utes players all game long, no matter if they were grabbing a steal or a rebound.

Just like with the second half, the first half was tight too. Both teams went back and forth, trying boatloads of three-pointers. ASU went 3 of 8 while Utah went 6 of 16 from the field.

“From the summer, we were working on defense,” Miller said. “So, if you can work on that in June, and it's paying off in December, then that's where it comes from.”

ASU will have the next couple of days to rest before it finishes its Utah road trip in Provo, taking on the BYU Cougars on Saturday, January 3, at 2:00 p.m.