Arizona State women's basketball returned to non-conference play Monday for the first time since Dec. 13 and played a game remarkably similar to its four early-season wins.
Like against Stephen F. Austin, VCU, Saint Mary's and San Diego, ASU played closer than necessary for three quarters against Southern Utah before pulling away in the fourth quarter for a 55-44 win at Desert Financial Arena.
But for the Sun Devils, who had games postponed last week against the Oregon schools and have missed seven Pac-12 games total due to COVID protocol, playing is essential to have a chance of extending their NCAA Tournament streak to seven and for improving a still hard-to-watch offense.