Despite the call for fans to wear red, playing in front of one of the largest crowds of the season and against its rivals, the Arizona women’s basketball team couldn’t come away with a win Sunday.
Arizona State jumped to a quick 7-0 lead and cruised from there to win 69-45 at McKale Center Sunday afternoon. The Sun Devils had beaten UA 75-50 on Friday in Tempe.
With one more homestand left this season, against the Oregon schools, the Wildcats now stand at 6-21 overall and 2-14 in the Pac-12. The Sun Devils improved to 19-9, 10-6.
It was a rough outing for the UA as it was beaten in the paint, on the boards — nearly everywhere — and it was physical.
“They had new, fresh bodies coming in, starting two minutes into the game,” said Sam Thomas, who led all UA scorers with 11 points. “It was a more physical game and we can’t out-physical them. We have to play our game and try to sneak a steal.
“Their defense is great, I’ll give them that.”
The Wildcats were out-rebounded 40-22. At times on offense they’d rush a shot and lose out on the rebound. On the other side of the court, they’d fight hard and miss the rebound, be out of position and give up either an easy basket or give ASU another 30 seconds to set up a shot.
“We couldn’t get stops, we couldn’t get rebounds,” said UA coach Adia Barnes. “I felt like they chipped away and chipped away. They just wear on you. We couldn’t find a way to bear down, no pun intended, to get stops when we needed it.
The second chances “were killer. When you give someone three or four opportunities to score in a league like this, you aren’t going to win. They’d get a layup, because of a breakdown. But, if we’re taking quick shots and missing ... it’s hard.”
ASU scored 19 second-chance points to UA’s five.
The Wildcats ended the first quarter down five and then trailed 35-24 at the half. They did not make a real run at a comeback in the last two quarters, and didn’t seem to have their typical fight.
“We had an 0-7 start; that’s tough,” said Barnes. “You have to be sharp. Tiredness is not an excuse. This is not how we want to start at home.
“At this point in the season, everyone hits the wall. This is the time. They play so many minutes all year and in practice. When a player is not sprinting down the floor every time, they have to find a way. It’s the freshman funk. Hopefully they will find a spark.”
Lucia Alonso added 10 points, five assists, and six rebounds. Marlee Kyles scored nine points.
When asked about the freshman funk, both Thomas and Kyles said they are definitely feeling it.
“I’m hitting the wall mentally and physically,” Kyles said. “It’s good to have coach pushing us. I’ve been in the gym more working on extra shots and coming off screens. (The last few games) I think it’s playing for our seniors and giving all you’ve got and staying together.”
