The CSUN women’s basketball team continued their road trip on Monday afternoon, falling to the Arizona State Sun Devils, 69-46. The Sun Devils are ranked No. 21 in the nation.
The loss is the second in a row for the Matadors and it drops them to 2-10 on the season.
Despite getting off to a hot start, the Matadors offense went cold in the second and third quarters. The Sun Devils took full advantage and built a lead that the Matadors were unable to overcome.
The Matadors led 19-12 at one point in the first quarter, but the Sun Devils used a 7-0 run to tie the game.
After that point was where it all fell apart for the Matadors. They scored a combined 13 points in the second and third quarters, with sophomore forward Caroline Gilling scoring all five of the Matadors points in the third quarter.
The Matadors weaknesses, rebounding, inside scoring, and turnovers, were once again major issues.
They were outrebounded by the Sun Devils, 42-29 and gave up 21 second chance points compared to their four. They were also bullied in the low post, giving up 40 points in the paint to their 16.
Unable to take care of the basketball, the Matadors turned the ball over 25 times which led to 33 points off turnovers for the Sun Devils. The Matadors defense was only able to force 8 turnovers, leading to eight points.
Leading the way for the Matadors was sophomore guard Serafina Maulupe who finished with 17 points on 77.8 percent shooting to go along with three rebounds and three assists. Gilling chipped in with 11 points on 50 percent shooting and four rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots.
The Sun Devils were led by senior guard Arnecia Hawkins who scored 18 points on 53.3 percent shooting, as well as five rebounds and three assists. Senior guard Katie Hempen chipped in with nine points on 42.9 percent shooting.
The Matadors have one game remaining on Wednesday Dec. 30 against the University of California, Berkeley Golden Bears. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. They will then return home on Saturday Jan. 2 against the Seattle University Redhawks. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4 p.m.
