Arizona State battles back for overtime win over Ohio State

TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State hosted Ohio State at Mullet Arena the day after Thanksgiving. With an evening full of constant battles offensively and defensively for both teams, ASU was able to put up a stellar fight in overtime to take home the victory.

It took a while for ASU’s offense to put enough passes together. However, the Sun Devils got the job done when they needed to.

ASU’s dragging first-period tie-up

Early into the game, ASU struggled to find areas to succeed in, which was only the start of this difficult game. With both teams scoring early, the game remained tight early on.

The Buckeyes netted the first goal as senior forward Davis Burnside scored just five minutes into the first period. 

The Sun Devils quickly responded with a goal from sophomore forward Cullen Potter, evening the score.

Finishing up the first period, the scoreboard remained tied. Both teams had consistent flaws throughout this first period, with neither showing enough momentum or energy. Neither team came out with much aggression, which was a key staple for the winning team. 

“In the first two periods, we were really looking for the perfect play and trying to make it way too pretty,” Coach Greg Powers said.

Going into the second period, the Sun Devils needed to work on maintaining a consistent rhythm to improve their offensive success if they wanted to come out on top. 

As the second period played out, there was more aggression, but as the time ticked away, both teams seemed to be in a jam. It was a fight of the defense that made this game strong because neither offensive side could get going.

ASU experienced many missed shots, which was unusual. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes struggled getting the puck into their offensive third. 

The turning point in the second period came when Burnside from the Buckeyes scored again, giving Ohio State a 2-1 lead in the game. 

As the second period came to a close, ASU still struggled offensively, making it hard to get goals on the board. The Buckeyes took their lead into the third period. 

“We did a lot of really good things tonight, we just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net.” Powers said.

Don’t count the Sun Devils out

Heading into the third period, ASU struggled once again to find that momentum and turning point. However, as time ticked away, that hunger for an ASU victory grew stronger. 

Sophomore forward Noah Powell got the spark off of a power play goal in the final 7 minutes of the third period to tie the game, 2-2. That led the third period to end in a tie, and overtime began. 

With an offense ready to fight and lots of energy from the crowd, the Sun Devils were ready to head into overtime. 

“To be confident in ourselves and be relaxed,” senior forward Cruiz Lucius said. “With the overtime clock winding down and every fan standing up, the pressure was on.”

Then the play of the game happened. Lucius stole the puck, racing down the ice with Potter to score the game-winning goal in overtime. As the arena filled with cheers, ASU took home a stunning victory over the Buckeyes. 

“It was a gritty, gutty win for us,” Powers said. “I felt like we deserved it.”

What’s next for ASU?

After ASU’s phenomenal comeback to bring home a victory against Ohio State, the Sun Devils will look to keep that momentum going on Saturday. ASU and Ohio State will finish their two-game weekend set at Mullett Arena on Saturday at 5 p.m.

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