TEMPE, Ariz.—Arizona State opened Wednesday night's women's basketball game against Bakersfield on a 16-4 run and never looked back as the Sun Devils defeated the Roadrunners 83-54.

"We played hard, but this was a great learning experience for us," said Bakersfield head coach Greg McCall.

Using full-court man-to-man pressure, ASU forced seven CSUB turnovers in the first six minutes. The closest Bakersfield would get in the first half would be eight (18-10) with just over 13 minutes to go. Arizona State held the Roadrunners to under 31.9% shooting in the first frame (9-29) and would push the lead to 38-23 at halftime.

The Sun Devils continued the strong defense in the second half, holding the 'Runners to 33.3-percent shooting (19-57) for the game. Bakersfield would end with 17 turnovers which resulted in 30 ASU points. Arizona State used their height advantage to outrebound the 'Runners 41-29.  The Roadrunners forced 15 Arizona State turnovers as CSUB made eight steals. The Sun Devils would shoot 48.1% from the field for the game (26-54). ASU shot 32 free throws, making 26 (81.2%) CSUB was 13-of-17 from the line (76.5).

"They were physically and mentally tougher than us," McCall said. "They played our style of defense against us and we didn't respond. I was proud of our effort and how we stayed together."

Arizona State's Sophie Brunner led all scorers with 22. Brunner also added seven rebounds. Peace Amukamara scored 13 while Elisha Davis and Katie Hempen each added 10 for the Sun Devils.

Brooklynn Hinkens (Sr., Lake Tapps, Wash., Auburn-Riverside HS) led the Roadrunners with 12 points. Dajy Vines (R-Sr., Oxnard, Calif., Santa Clara HS) had nine as did Alyssa Shannon (Jr., Bakersfield, Calif., Stockdale HS). Tyonna Outland (R-Sr., Compton, Calif., Lynwood HS) scored nine points and had a team high seven rebounds. Outland is now 11 (1,529) from second place Amber Williams (1,538, 2009-13) on the CSUB career scoring chart.

The Roadrunners return to the Icardo Center next Wednesday when CSUB hosts Fresno Pacific. Tip is set for at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at vallitix.com.

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