Santa Clara women’s basketball was narrowly defeated by Arizona State, 82-77, on Sunday afternoon at home. The Broncos, now with a 3-2 record, trailed by 13 points at halftime but managed to close the gap in the second half before Arizona State regained control and secured the win.
During the first quarter, Santa Clara took an early lead after consecutive three-pointers from Ashley Hawkins and Ava Schmidt. However, Arizona State responded with a 9-0 run and finished the quarter ahead 26-19. The Sun Devils continued their strong performance in the second quarter, extending their lead to as much as 18 points. Maia Jones hit a three-pointer just before halftime to help reduce the deficit to 50-37.
Santa Clara capitalized on Arizona State’s slow start in the third quarter, going on a 9-0 run that brought them within three points. Despite this effort, Arizona State maintained a five-point advantage heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw both teams trading baskets. Maia Jones made back-to-back three-pointers to bring Santa Clara within two points of tying the game. Layups from Hawkins and Schmidt eventually tied it at just over three minutes remaining. After another Arizona State basket and a Jones triple that cut it to one point, Santa Clara missed a game-tying shot late in regulation while Arizona State sealed their victory with free throws.
Santa Clara attempted a program-record 44 three-pointers during the game, converting on 14 of them and shooting 38.4 percent overall from the field. Jones led her team with 20 points and five made threes; Hawkins contributed 18 points along with six assists; Sophie Glancey also scored 18 and collected eight rebounds; Aniya Hooker reached double digits with ten points and four assists.
Arizona State shot at a higher percentage (46.2 percent) for the game—including nearly sixty percent in the first half—and outscored Santa Clara from both inside and at the free throw line.
Coach Loree Payne commented after the game: “battled till the end”.
The Broncos will play their next game against San Diego State on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
