Marley Washenitz’s absurd game-winning buzzer beater sinks UNLV to keep ASU undefeated

Written by Lexi Evans.

TEMPE, Ariz. – The undefeated Arizona State Sun Devils hosted the UNLV Rebels at Desert Financial Arena on Saturday. ASU managed to come out with the victory thanks to senior guard Marley Washenitz’s game-winning 3-point buzzer beater.

This show-stopping ASU women’s basketball team, alongside coach Molly Miller, showed the country why this could be a special season. The Sun Devils had a neck-and-neck game against UNLV.

The pressure was on, especially for junior transfer McKinna Brackens, who transferred from UNLV and was determined to come out on top. Brackens showed up in her revenge game and led ASU to an incredible win.

UNLV gave ASU a scare in the first half

Brackens led ASU in scoring and carried the Sun Devils’ success in Saturday’s win.. The UNLV transfer played phenomenally, with her 23 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.

Early into the game, Brackens had success driving in the paint as well as stepping back to hit some long 3-point shots. Not only was Brackens hitting 3-pointer after 3-pointer, but she was a staple rebounder in the game.

“Shots started falling, we got over looks,” Brackens said. “And then it was like barbecue chicken from there.”

Although, as ASU got its offense going, UNLV stayed in stride. This resulted in the game remaining tight throughout the first and second halves. 

At the end of the first quarter, ASU trailed 12-7. The Sun Devils took that as an early wake-up call and responded.

ASU began to break into the Rebels’ lead and led by the time halftime arrived, 28-24. 

Sun Devils hang on for tight victory

After leading at halftime, ASU strengthened itself on offense in the third quarter. The Sun Devils forced some UNLV turnovers and had heavy activity in the paint. 

ASU continued its lockdown defense and proficient 3-point shooting, but UNLV hung around, going shot-for-shot with the Sun Devils.. 

UNLV was very assertive and aggressive when it came to being inside the paint, which was a major problem for ASU. 

Despite the Sun Devils having some difficulties in the third quarter, they really showed up in the fourth. Both offense and defense really came together to keep this game close. 

With only one minute remaining, the game was tied, 53-53. That’s when Washenitz had her moment to shine.

With the Sun Devils scrambling on offense and the shot clock ticking down, Washenitz grabbed a loose ball and threw up a no-look game-winning 3-point shot as the buzzer sounded, and ASU took home the victory, 56-53.

“She grabbed that thing, she threw it up, and what a fun moment for her.” Molly Miller said.

As the Sun Devils and Miller continue their undefeated start to the season after a phenomenal game against UNLV, ASU is back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 25, against Utah Tech at Desert Financial Arena.

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