ASU Women’s Basketball Upsets Arizona in Overtime, Fuels NCAA Tournament Bid

TUCSON — A heated rivalry on the basketball court between Arizona and Arizona State University intensified on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as the Sun Devils defeated the Wildcats 75-69 in overtime at McKale centre at ALKEME Arena. The win marked Arizona State’s first in Tucson since February 18, 2018 and completed a season sweep of their in-state rivals.

A Rivalry Rekindled

The contest was fueled by recent exchanges between the two programs’ head coaches. Arizona coach Becky Burke responded to comments about Arizona State’s fan attendance, stating, “It was great. I’m happy for them. We play in that environment every night,” following a loss in Tempe on January 28. Arizona State guard Gabby Elliott acknowledged Burke’s comments, declaring the Sun Devils would play “10 times harder” at McKale centre.

A Hard-Fought Victory

Despite a scare in the first quarter when leading scorer Gabby Elliott went down with a lower-body injury, Arizona State persevered. Elliott later returned to the game and finished with 22 points. The Sun Devils overcame a late Arizona run, which tied the game and forced overtime. McKinna Brackens proved crucial in the extra period, scoring eight of her 24 points.

Did You Know? Arizona State’s attendance for their game against Arizona reached 6,121, marking a record crowd.

Implications for Both Teams

Arizona State coach Molly Miller described the atmosphere as a “win for women’s basketball,” despite a strong showing of support for the home team. The victory improves Arizona State’s record to 21-6, with an 8-6 record in the Big 12 conference, bolstering their case for an NCAA Tournament berth. The Sun Devils have four games remaining before the Big 12 tournament, including a matchup against Iowa State on Wednesday, February 18.

Expert Insight: This win for Arizona State is significant not just for the rivalry, but for the programme’s postseason aspirations. Securing a win in a hostile environment against a conference opponent demonstrates resilience and could be a key factor in the NCAA Tournament selection process.

Looking Ahead

Arizona State will continue its road trip to face Iowa State on February 18 before returning home to host Houston on February 21. Arizona will look to rebound from the loss as they continue their season. A possible next step for both teams is to focus on refining their strategies and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in conference play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the game?

The final score was Arizona State 75, Arizona 69.

Who scored the most points for Arizona State?

McKinna Brackens scored 24 points for Arizona State.

What did Arizona State coach Molly Miller say about the crowd?

Coach Miller called the crowd a “win for women’s basketball,” even though there was “more red” in the seats, referring to Arizona State fans.

How important are rivalry games like this for the growth of women’s college basketball?