This article was originally published on February 5, 2023.
The Arizona State Sun Devils (7-13, 0-11 Pac-12) lost a close battle against the USC Trojans (17-5, 7-4 Pac-12) on Friday night 64-49. The Trojans received strong performances from seniors Kadi Sissoko and Destiny Littleton, as well as sophomore Rayah Marshall.
Sissoko led all scorers with a season-high 23 points while tallying six rebounds and two blocks for USC. Littleton finished with 21 points with three made 3-pointers and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Marshall also totaled 21 rebounds and helped the Trojans out-rebound the Sun Devils 45-31.
For Arizona State, the backcourt of junior guards Tyi Skinner and Jaddan Simmons led the way for the Sun Devils, with both players playing all 40 minutes. Skinner led the team with 14 points and two steals. Simmons finished second on the team with 12 points while grabbing five rebounds.
The Sun Devils battled hard in the first half and finished the half trailing 27-22. Arizona State struggled to shoot in the first half, shooting 10-of-35 and only getting to the free-throw line twice. Overall, USC was able to limit ASU to six free throws. The Sun Devils relied on driving to the basket and getting to the line. The Trojans adjusted well defensively to disrupt ASU’s game plan.
In the second half, the Trojans were able to push the pace and finished the game with 16 fast break points. They also shot 4-of-7 on 3-point attempts and 9-of-10 from the free-throw line.
The Sun Devils remain winless in Pac-12 play, and continue to look for players to get healthy. Junior center Imogen Greenslade played 13 minutes in a return to action. It was her first game since Dec. 4.
The Sun Devils will remain in California to take on the UCLA Bruins on Sunday. They then return home for a four-game home stand as they look to get their first Pac-12 victory of the season.
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