After a tough loss to UCLA on Friday, the Lady Devils take on USC in their final home game of the season on Sunday.
The last time the Devils faced off against the Trojans, they were able to come out on top with a 60-53 victory. The Sun Devils are hoping for a repeat performance, especially since it will be the team’s senior night.
“We’ll play it like it’s win or go home, especially for the seniors. You know it’s the last opportunity for the fans to come out and see them play at Wells Fargo, and we want to end on a really good note,” ASU head coach Turner Thorne said.
In their previous victory over the Trojans, the Sun Devils dominated in almost every category. The team committed only 13 turnovers, as opposed to the Trojans 17, and shot 44.7 percent from the field, compared to 33.3 percent for the Trojans.
Keys to the game:
1. Keep composure and calm throughout.
The Sun Devils committed 20 turnovers in Friday’s loss to UCLA. As freshman Haley Videckis said, the team needs to keep more “poise.” The Lady Devils need to take the extra second to focus on making a solid pass. The passes need to be cleaner, and a big part of that will come if the Devils stay calm and look to make the smart pass.
2. Slam the door shut at the end.
Throughout the season, the Lady Devils have struggled with closing out games. They have leads at halftime or get ahead late in the second half and not be able to maintain that lead all the way until the end. The Devils need to step up and continue to box out and make key shots, especially late in the second half. If the Lady Devils get the lead, they need to keep up the effort and hustle all the way until the last buzzer sounds. They need to finish the game strong.
3.Remember the seniors.
Since it will be the team’s senior night, the Devils will be more eager than ever to take home the win. In order to be successful, the Lady Devils need to play for the seniors. The motivation to win this last game for them will play a big part in helping the Sun Devils close out the game and give the extra momentum needed, especially in the second half, to propel the Devils to a victory.
“Expect to have a very hungry team for Sunday,” coach Turner Thorne said.
Despite the rough loss to UCLA, fans can anticipate that this Sun Devil team will be determined as they take their home court for the last time this season and face the Trojans at 1:00 p.m. MT.
