Head coach Molly Miller built her ASU program around one principle this offseason: controlled aggression. In Monday's season opener, Arizona State basketball turned that philosophy into a win, complete with a 43-point margin.
ASU Silences Jackson State to Open 2026/27 NCAA Season
By the final whistle, the Sun Devils overwhelmed Jackson State 84-41 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, recovering from an early 11-2 deficit to own the boards. ASU outrebounded the Tigers 51-29 while scoring 38 points inside to Jackson State's 12, a gap that widened every quarter.
Four players reached double figures for the Sun Devils, underscoring the balanced roster the second-year coach has assembled. Heloisa Carrera and freshman guard Averie Lower each poured in 15 points, with Lower draining five second-half threes. McKinna Brackens added 14 points and eight rebounds, and transfer Rashunda Jones contributed 10 points alongside six assists.
Despite the final scoreline, Miller saw room to sharpen her team's perimeter game after both squads combined to shoot just 16-for-51 from three-point range.
"We wanted to be the aggressor," Miller said. "We can't always rely on our talent. I want to scrap and fight and claw."
The Sun Devils will have another chance to test that philosophy this week, as Arizona State hosts Northern Arizona on Thursday in second NCAA women's basketball matchup of the 2026/27 season.
