Treasure Hunt earns double-double as ASU women's basketball defeats Grambling State
Arizona State women's basketball's game against Grambling State offered the rare opportunity where both opponents met two days before to "break bread" and get to know each other personally.
While the meeting between the teams was friendly before tip-off, ASU shifted its mentality and won 62-49 at Desert Financial Arena.
The meeting between the two teams was part of an educational partnership between the Pac-12 and the SWAC. The partnership with HBCU schools is done to raise awareness for anti-racism and social justice initiatives.
"I think it's our opportunity and our responsibility to make sure that we educate and grow our student-athletes," ASU head coach Natasha Adair said. "It stands for more than just basketball. You have a responsibility, especially on this big stage, to make sure we're not just coaching them on the court, we're coaching and preparing them for life."
Grambling State at times caught ASU flat-footed with its speed and great rebounding, but the Sun Devils would find ways to get the last word on the court. Whether it was through free throws or forcing turnovers, ASU would regain its momentum.
ASU had a great second quarter defensively as Grambling State committed seven turnovers. Though ASU struggled from the field, the Sun Devils shot 5-for-10 and scored 10 of its 20 points off free throws.
Standout performers
Treasure Hunt earned a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Tyi Skinner provided the only 3-point jumpers for ASU and went back-to-back at the five-minute mark in the fourth quarter. The transfer from Delaware finished with 16 points.
Key plays
Trayanna Crisp showed off some slick moves and elevated over the defenders to the rim, earning a free throw shot to put ASU ahead 18-11 at 9:12 in the second quarter.
Tyi Skinner used her speed throughout the game and got her third steal of the game at 7:36 in the third quarter and returned it for a layup on the fast break.
Treasure Hunt denied Grambling State guard Jurnee McLaurin at the rim at 6:06 in fourth quarter.
Key quotes
"I just felt like we were stagnant and we talked about having more sense of urgency offensively and defensively. I thought our defense and our pressure dictated that as well. We got some energy from our defense."
-Head coach Natasha Adair on inspiring a change from the team between the first and second quarters
"I think (point guard) is just a lot of facilitating, so I think now it's just easier to slow down and I know Tyi can handle the ball, so it's easier to just take a deep breath and work on the outside and get my teammates open or find a shot."
-Jaddan Simmons on her switching from point guard to shooting guard this year
"Even though we don't go to HBCUs, we're still young, Black women, and it's important to know those things in life. I think the collaboration was great because it's more off the court than on the court. Like coach said, we broke bread and it was a good atmosphere."
-Tyi Skinner on the partnership between the Pac-12 and HBCU programs
Up next
The Sun Devils (2-0) will head to Bozeman to face Montana State at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. MSU won its first game 78-31 against Providence (MT).
ASU will not have another game at Desert Financial Arena until Dec. 2 for its game against UMass at the ASU Classic.
Reach the reporter at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or 602-647-4122. Follow her on Twitter @jennarortiz.
Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Treasure Hunt earns double-double in ASU women's basketball win
