Women's basketball wins third straight game

Kali Bennett notched her fifth career double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Promise Amukamara came off the bench to score a career-high 12 points to help Arizona State defeat Cal State Fullerton 63-49.

Bennett, who earned all-tournament recognition at the San Juan Shootout and the ASU Classic each of the last two weekends, also added four blocks and three steals to help the Sun Devils (7-1) win their third consecutive game.

In addition to helping their own cause by shooting 47 percent, the Sun Devils continued their stingy ways on the defensive end as CSFU was only able to shoot 23 percent, the fifth time a Sun Devil opponent has shot less than 30 percent this season.

Keeping the Titans (3-5) in the game was a 27-10 advantage in offensive rebounds, which they were able to convert into 18 second-chance points.

Despite CSFU's overwhelming advantage on the offensive boards, the Sun Devils still managed to outrebound the Titans (46-45). Bennett (11 rebounds), Jada Blackwell (8), Kimberly Brandon (6) and Deja Mann (6) combined for 31 of ASU's rebounds. Mann also added five assists.

After leading by an average margin of 14.8 points at the half in their first four home games, the Sun Devils found themselves in a tight contest when the second half began. ASU started the half with a 29-23 lead and would have their lead trimmed to as little as four on two separate occasions in the first four minutes of the half.

The Sun Devils would build their lead back up to 12 with an 8-0 run over a span of 2:53. Amukamara came off the bench to score five points during the run as her layup gave ASU a 40-28 lead with 12:27 left.

ASU would eventually extend out to its largest lead of the game when Mann connected on a 3-pointer to give the Sun Devils a 57-39 advantage with 4:45 left. Helping the Sun Devils build their largest lead was Olivia Major who hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 33-second span.

Bennett led the Sun Devils in the first half with nine points while tying for the team lead with four rebounds.

The Sun Devils took their largest lead of the first half after a free throw by Blackwell gave them a 27-16 lead with 5:09 left.

The Titans, who were led in the game by Alex Thomas' 13 points, were able to score seven of the last nine points of the half to make it a two-possession game at the half.

The Sun Devils will have an extended break in order to concentrate on finals and will return to action on Fri., Dec. 16 (7 p.m. CT) when they go on the road to take on No. 20 DePaul.