Brackens, Carrera each record a double-double in Sun Devil victory

By Tinley Sweeney

TEMPE. Ariz — On a night with record-breaking attendance in the rivalry, the Sun Devils break their two-game losing skid a 68-61 victory over Arizona. You could feel the buzz as the rivalry returned to the Desert Financial Area, leaving Arizona State fans in pure excitement.

The loss to Cincinnati was a difficult one, but the Sun Devils quickly refocused for rivalry week, where players and coaches approached practice with greater urgency because of what’s at stake.

“Fans and the people,” sixth-year graduate guard Gabby Elliot said. “I have never heard as many people talk about it as much.”

The conversation continues on February 14th when the Sun Devils take a visit to Tucson, giving the fans another match-up to talk about in this heated rivalry.

Arizona State withstands Arizona’s third-quarter run.

Arizona seized momentum to start the third quarter, rattling off a 13-0 run, while the Sun Devils went cold offensively. The home crowd played a key role, helping the team fight back into the game.

Midway through the third quarter, the Sun Devils regained control, shutting down the Wildcats to a two-minute drought.

“I am glad we responded; we could have easily crumbled, but in that timeout, we regrouped,” ASU head coach Molly Miller said. “You could see some confidence in their eye and we could swing back.”

A new coach at the helm and renewed energy sparked the Territorial Cup win, energizing not just the team but the alumni and fans.

Arizona State’s players shine with double-doubles.

ASU leaned on junior forward McKinna Brackens and sophomore forward Heloisa Carrera, each recording a double-double. Brackens finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Carrera finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

“Brackens go get me an O-board cause that’s where you can score at the rim,” Miller said.

The Sun Devils capitalized at the free-throw line, hitting 90% of their attempts and going 6-for-6 in the last two-minutes. They also dominated the glass, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds compared to Arizona’s 6, leading to nine more second-chance points.

ASU will look to keep the ball rolling against Kansas State Sunday at Desert Financial Arena.