TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State closed strong down the stretch Wednesday night, shutting down Arizona late to secure a 68–61 victory at Desert Financial Arena.
After weathering a third-quarter surge by the Wildcats, the Sun Devils finished the game with poise, scoring the final six points and holding Arizona scoreless over the last two-plus minutes to seal the win. The victory marked Arizona State’s first triumph over its in-state rival since February 2022 and snapped a seven-game skid in the series.
Arizona State (18–4, 5–4 Big 12) was led by Gabby Elliott, who poured in a game-high 22 points. Elliott delivered in the closing moments, sinking two free throws with 43 seconds remaining after stripping the ball from Kamryn Kitchen and drawing a foul.
Arizona (10–10, 1–8 Big 12) struggled to finish, dropping its fifth straight game and remaining winless on the road this season. Guard Noelani Cornfield paced the Wildcats with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting night while also handing out six assists. Freshman Kamryn Kitchen made her first career start and added 14 points and four rebounds, while Sumayah Sugapong chipped in 10 points and four boards.
The Wildcats trailed 33–26 at halftime but came out of the locker room on fire, opening the third quarter with a 13–0 run. Cornfield capped the surge with a jumper that gave Arizona its largest lead of the night at 43–35 midway through the period. Arizona State responded quickly, countering with a 10–2 run of its own to reclaim momentum and take a slim 50–49 edge into the fourth quarter.
The Sun Devils created separation midway through the final frame, pushing their lead to 60–55 before Arizona made one last push. Layups by Cornfield and Kitchen trimmed the deficit to one with 2:41 remaining, but Daniah Trammell’s basket moments later put ASU back in front for good.
Arizona was unable to score again, and the Sun Devils iced the game from the free-throw line to secure the 68–61 win.
The rivalry resumes Feb. 14 in Tucson at McKale Center. Arizona will look to regroup Sunday at home against Oklahoma State to open the second half of Big 12 play.
Arizona State returns home to host Kansas State on Sunday, Feb. 1, with tipoff set for 4 p.m.
