The Arizona State Sun Devils finished their regular season on a disappointing note, losing 58-51 to the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock on Sunday. This game represented a critical opportunity for the Sun Devils to solidify their position on the NCAA tournament bubble, while Texas Tech aimed to enhance its seeding for both the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments.
The contest began sluggishly for both teams, with Heloisa Carrera scoring the first three baskets for Arizona State. Meanwhile, Texas Tech struggled with turnovers, giving away the ball five times in the opening quarter. A late push from the Red Raiders allowed them to finish the first period ahead, leading 14-10.
As the game progressed, Arizona State managed to recover from an early deficit, taking a 23-20 lead with just over three minutes left in the second quarter, thanks to contributions from Amaya Williams, Gabby Elliott, and Last-Tear Poa. The Sun Devils went into halftime with a narrow 27-25 advantage, positioning themselves for a potential crucial victory.
During the third quarter, Arizona State maintained a slim lead, hovering around five points. However, Texas Tech regained control late in the period, concluding the third quarter with a commanding 47-36 lead after an impressive 18-2 run. This momentum shift was capped by three free throws from Adlee Blacklock, who was fouled while attempting a three-pointer just before the buzzer.
In the fourth quarter, the Sun Devils attempted to regain their footing with a renewed defensive effort, but their offense fell flat, lacking the necessary rhythm to capitalize on their defensive stands. Despite Last-Tear Poa“s contributions of 7 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, the team could not mount a successful comeback.
The loss marks a challenging conclusion to the season for Arizona State, leaving them with lingering questions as they look ahead to future opportunities.
