Heloisa Carrera leads Arizona State past Southeast Missouri State, 85-56, for eighth straight win

Written by Lexi Evans.

TEMPE, Ariz. – The undefeated Arizona State Sun Devils hosted the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks at Desert Financial Arena on Saturday. ASU walked out of the arena with a shiny victory to stretch their winning streak to eight games.

The ASU women’s basketball team had a phenomenal game, with great offense and a well-built defense. The Redhawks faced multiple offensive issues, resulting in a lack of points, and the outcome was a Sun Devils victory that continued their undefeated season. 

The beginning of ASU’s glory 

Off the bat, graduate student guard Gabby Elliott had success driving in the paint with back-to-back buckets, giving the Sun Devils an early 4-0 lead. But, not soon after, graduate student guard Lexi McCully and freshman guard Zoey Rixter hit back-to-back 3-pointers for the Redhawks to keep ASU on its toes. 

ASU put up 60 points in the paint alone this game, making it a significant factor. Both teams’ offenses were very strong, leaving each team wanting more. 

“You never want to leave the floor thinking you got outplayed or out-hussled,” coach Molly Miller said. 

Graduate student guard Carmen Taylor was the Redhawks’ highest scoring player with 21 points. She also added an assist and three rebounds, making her mark on the game. 

At the end of the first quarter, ASU trailed 18-16 after junior guard Madison Ayers made a last-minute 3-pointer. The Sun Devils did not feel defeated and were determined to push back in the second quarter.

The ASU offense continued to get stronger and stronger as the night went on, moving from missed shots to more accurate ones and striving to put pressure on the Redhawks. 

ASU demolished the Redhawks’ lead and led by the time halftime arrived, the Sun Devils led 32-23.

The Sun Devils strut into victory

Going into the third quarter, ASU had established a better defense, putting the Redhawks’ offense in a jam. 

“Defense is a big part of us,” Fifth-year guard Last-Tear Poa said. “So I think just showing up in practice and being consistent with that, and just creating good habits day after day.”

After leading at halftime, ASU prioritized its offense in the third quarter to extend its lead to more than 20 points. 

Sophomore forward Heloisa Carrera was the lead rebounder (10) in this game and led ASU with 21 points, which ultimately led to the Redhawks’ downfall. 

Starting the final quarter, ASU led 61-38, opening up a natural rhythm to finish out the rest of this game. 

As the time ticked away, the ASU continued to score. The Sun Devils showed how strong this offense is and how far they have come since the very beginning. 

“This one felt good because it was more complete and the energy never stopped,” Miller said. 

The Sun Devils produced their most points of the season in Saturday’s 83-56 win. ASU left Desert Financial Arena victorious to remain undefeated in Miller’s first season at the helm.

ASU also put together its second-largest margin of victory on the season against Southeast Missouri. The Sun Devils are back in action on Friday, Dec 5, against McNeese State at Mullett Arena.

The Cowgirls should be a good test for the red-hot Sun Devils as their lone losses this year have come to Power 4 schools.

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