Sun Devils Triumph in Paradise Jam Women’s Final Against High Point

The Sun Devil women’s basketball team concluded their Paradise Jam journey with a gripping 77-69 victory over High Point, in a Saturday showdown at the UVI Sports & Fitness Center, St. Thomas.

Key player Jalyn Brown spearheaded the win with a personal best of 20 points, while Treasure Hunt was close to a double-double, amassing 19 points and eight rebounds, the highest in the game.

Teamwork was paramount for the Sun Devils, as Trayanna Crisp chipped in with 12 points and a match-leading four assists. Journey Thompson contributed significantly with 11 points, sharing the team’s top rebounding spot with Hunt. Jaddan Simmons completed the Sun Devils’ formidable lineup (6-2 record) with nine points, six rebounds, and three assists.

ASU’s 50 percent field shooting marked a milestone, echoing a similar achievement from their December 18, 2021, victory in San Diego.

ASU set a commanding tone early, leading by up to 12 points in the first quarter. Despite consistent pressure from the Panthers (3-4), led by Anna Hager’s 16 points and six rebounds, ASU managed to maintain their lead. In the final quarter, High Point narrowed the deficit to three points, but ASU countered effectively with pivotal scores from Brown and Hunt, including two rapid 3-pointers from Hunt.

The Panthers kept the pressure up, reducing the gap to five points. However, Crisp secured the Sun Devils’ victory with eight decisive points in the final quarter, including four consecutive points in the closing minutes, preventing High Point from bridging the gap.

ASU started the game with focus and efficiency, hitting 50 percent of their shots in the first period. Brown and Hunt combined for 15 points, shooting at an impressive 60 percent. Sandra Magolico also contributed with four points and five rebounds, while Simmons led ASU with four rebounds in the quarter.

Initially, both teams were evenly matched, but ASU surged ahead with the last 10 points of the quarter, ending it 23-11. High Point rallied in the second quarter, outscoring ASU 24-16, but ASU held the lead at halftime, 39-35.

The match’s intense rhythm and relentless efforts from both teams culminated in a thrilling finale, with ASU’s early lead and sustained performance clinching their victory in the Paradise Jam final.