There was no doubt about it.
Arizona State needed a win against Iowa State to be considered for a NCAA tournament bid. ESPN had the Devils as one of the “first four teams out” in the tournament field entering the game.
It was a tall task.
Two weeks again, the Cyclones beat Arizona State by 26 in Ames. They also boast the Big 12’s leading scorer in Audi Crooks and the conference leader in assists in Jada Williams.
Arizona State came out swinging, jumping out to a 17-4 from the jump. They withstood multiple Cyclone runs but never relinquished the lead on their way to a 77-68 victory.
El Carrera carried the Devils early on with 12 points in the first quarter. McKinna Brackens, Gabby Elliott and Last-Tear Poa all reached double-figures in the win as well.
Crooks still scored 21 for Iowa State, mainly by way of the free throw line (9-13). The Sun Devils would swarm the forward and she didn’t have a shot attempt in the first quarter. She found a way to be effective, but Arizona State definitely changed the rhythm of her game and the Cyclone offense.
The job may not be done for Arizona State to make the field, but notching their 24th win against a quality opponent certainly helps.
Arizona State plays second-seeded West Virginia on Friday.
