IOWA CITY, Iowa— After a game filled with blood, sweat and tears, the Arizona State Sun Devils fell to the University of Virginia Cavaliers, bringing their brief NCAA Tournament appearance to an end Thursday night with a final score of 57-55.
This was only their second time meeting, their first in 2004, when ASU defeated the Cavaliers at the Women’s Sports Foundation Classic in Baton Rouge, LA.
Let the war begin
The Sun Devils took the court with energy and determination. Senior guard Marley Washenitz sparked an early run by sinking two impressive 3-pointers, giving Arizona State a boost of momentum. Virginia’s defense responded with intensity, working to limit every opportunity, knowing that in a game this close, any advantage could be enough to win.
UVA currently leads the NCAA Division I in blocks. They showcased this with 6 blocks and 11 steals, a defensive performance that ultimately sealed the victory. UVA’s defense dominated throughout the game, displaying relentless aggression on every block and steal.
ASU spent the entire second quarter trailing, struggling to gain momentum. Missed shots danced around the rim, players falling and the team’s disconnect became more apparent.
Graduate guard Gabby Elliot kept the Sun Devils’ gap within reach, grabbing 9 rebounds. She proved to be a critical factor in keeping her team’s chances of a win alive.
“Basketball is a game of runs,” said Elliot. “It’s going to happen, you’re going to score some, you’re going to miss some, and so is the other team. You just got to keep playing.”
The last woman standing
This game was defined by its physicality, marked with a high number of fouls. From the opening tip, the pace was aggressive and fast, demanding players stay alert and ready at every moment because any points given up can be the difference between a win and a loss.
Coming out of halftime, ASU trailed 30-22. Halftime provided ASU with a crucial chance to refocus, but the game wasn’t over until the final buzzer—especially for a team with a reputation of last-second finishes.
“I was really, really proud of the fight and the attitude that they had not to give up that second half,” ASU head coach Molly Miller said. “It was an amazing testament of giving it their all.”
As the clock wound down, the Sun Devils struggled to close the gap as the Cavaliers maintained a suffocating defense, particularly in the paint. Offensively, junior guard Kymora Johnson led the team, her relentless effort and skill evident in every play. She scored with precision, converting rebounds and 3-pointers with remarkable accuracy, demonstrating the dedication required to sustain high energy for all four quarters.
Late push not enough
The scoreboard remained tight throughout the game, as ASU repeatedly narrowed the gap only to see it widen again.
During the final five minutes, Washenitz and Elliot caught fire, hitting 3-pointer after 3-pointer to keep their team firmly in control. Each basket fueled the crowd, creating an unforgettable atmosphere—fans erupted in cheers and boos and the No. 7 seed Georgia watched intently from the bleachers.
“No one can say that this team didn’t try from our first game all the way to the last possession,” Miller said.
This game came down to the final seconds, where junior guard Jyah LoVett couldn’t quite get there in the paint, and when the buzzer rang, the only thing the Sun Devils could see was devastation and the two-point difference.
“Jyah was the one getting to the rim for us and she did a really good job, all game, of making an impact when she went there,” Miller said. “ And she made some good decisions too.”
Arizona State had a phenomenal year, beyond its first appearance in the First Four since 2019. This year, they have broken many program records, enjoying each other and building a family and an amazing program for ASU women’s basketball.
“What an amazing first start,” said Miller. “One loss doesn’t define them, but this team defined a season that is going to be the trajectory of this program, that’s what I’m so proud of.”
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