With intense defense and clutch free-throw shooting, the ASU women’s basketball team secured a narrow 57–53 victory over Washington on Saturday.
UW (11-8, 3-6 Pac-12) and ASU (15-5, 6-3 Pac-12) were in a close battle for the entire game as neither was able to get a big lead.
Coach Joseph Anders said his team relies on its defense for victories, and this game was no different.
“Those of you who couldn’t be here with us, I’m sorry, but you missed a battle,” Anders said. “I could not be more proud of a basketball team.”
Before the game, ASU knew to focus on two players in particular.
The guards were concerned about UW freshman Jazmine Davis while the ASU forwards had to defend UW redshirt senior Regina Rogers, who has a dominating post presence.
When the Huskies played Arizona on Thursday, Rogers scored 20 points and Davis scored 28.
Senior guard Alex Earl said defending the two players was a huge priority.
“We took turns defending Jazmine (Davis),” Earl said. “We definitely focused on her and Regina (Rogers) because they are their top scorers. We definitely tried to key on those two. I think our guards did a really good job on Davis.”
Rogers ended the game with 20 points.
Rogers, who shoots 52.6 percent from the free throw line, scored eight of her 20 points from the line.
Anders gave credit to redshirt junior forward Janae Fulcher for denying Rogers easy shot opportunities.
“Janae Fulcher came in and did an incredible job on Regina Rogers,” Anders said. “Janae came on and was able to slide in front of her and was able to take the direct feeds away, and basically be the difference in the ball game.”
Earl’s outside shooting sparked ASU’s offense, as she shot 3-4 on 3-point shots.
“It’s a sigh of relief,” Earl said. “I have kind of been in a slump for a little bit. I need to stay confident. I know how to shoot. I have been shooting since I was 6 years old.”
ASU took a long road trip and came away with two victories. These wins were two of the most important of the year.
Since the loss to Oregon State, the Sun Devils have gone on a five-game tear and are now second in the Pac-12.
Fulcher said the team is right where they want to be.
“We set a goal for ourselves in the beginning of the season and we are just trying to achieve it,” Fulcher said. “It’s crucial that we stay where we’re at and don’t get too far ahead of ourselves and take it one game at a time.”
Reach the reporter at ehubbard@asu.edu
