TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona State’s junior forward McKinna Brackens made a 2-pointer to send the Arizona Wildcats into overtime, sending the traveling Sun Devil crowd into a frenzy.
“The play was not for me, it was for Gabby [Elliot],” Brackens said. “Just knowing myself, my mid-range shot is better than me trying to get all the way to make a layup. That’s why I shot it there.”
With two minutes to remain in the game, the teams were tied, and a standing arena of red took over. Both senior guard Marley Washenitz and senior guard Jyah LoVett were fouled out. Visiting ASU fans were left on the edge of their seats.
Just before Brackens sank two points, graduate student guard Gabby Elliot had been fouled and made two out of three shots.
However, in overtime, Brackens continued to lead the Sun Devils to victory. She ended the day with 24 points.
An intense cross-state rivalry matchup in overtime ended in favor of ASU, 75-69.
With a crowd of 8,766 people and almost all in red in favor of Arizona (11-14, 2-12), a rowdy section of Arizona State (21-6, 8-6) fans in gold stood out in McKale Center at Alkeme Arena in Tucson, Arizona throughout the whole game.
“Fantastic environment,” ASU head coach Molly Miller said. “I know we won on the scoreboard, but women’s basketball won today. We had an amazing fan base today from Tempe. They may be outnumbered, but they have a lot of heart. It’s amazing to see them make the trip.”
To start the game off, the Sun Devils struggled to find rhythm in their shots. At the end of the first quarter, ASU was shooting a 42% clip from the field.
Throughout the game, ASU could not stay consistent with free throws. They went 13-for-20 compared to the Wildcats, who only missed one, 16-for-17.
About halfway through the second quarter, ASU was able to get its first lead. A 3-pointer from Brackens gave the Sun Devils a two-point advantage.
After two back-to-back missed free throws by Elliot and Arizona fans cheering, she made up for it with a 3-pointer right after to shut Wildcat fans out.
Elliot finished with 22 points and went 4-8 on 3-pointers.
However, Brackens took charge for the Sun Devils in the second half. From being tied at the start, ASU took a five-point lead in the third quarter.
Washenitz received a slap to the face from Arizona graduate student guard Noelai Cornfield, which resulted in a personal foul on Washenitz.
Shortly after, Washenitz was fouled and made both her shots, giving the Sun Devils a four-point lead to start the fourth quarter.
Eventually, a 3-pointer from Elliot gave the Sun Devils a gap between the Wildcats with five minutes remaining.
For the Wildcats, Cornfield has been a key player throughout the season. She ended the game with 24 points and six assists.
Junior guard Sumayah Sugapong also took charge for the Wildcats. Sugapong put up 23 points and four rebounds.
As March approaches, Arizona State is looking to make its way through the bracket, now at 21 wins on the season.
“We are a team that no matter what’s thrown our way, we’re just gonna tough it out and have passion and effort and energy every possession,” Miller said.