Nov. 6, 2005
TEMPE, Ariz. - Led by freshman center Kirsten Thompson, the Arizona State women's basketball team defeated the Melbourne Roos 105-58 in ASU's second and final exhibition.
One of five ASU players who finished the game in double figures, Thompson had a spectacular performance in the post, scoring a game high 21 points after shooting 10-14 from the field. Her performance also included six rebounds.
Also getting into the act was fellow freshman Danielle Orsillo, who was ASU's second leading scorer with 19 points. Together, the freshman duo of Thompson and Orsillo combined for 40 of ASU's 105 points.
The Sun Devils started the game with a 35-8 run and never let up. Orsillo led ASU in the first half with 14 points on five-of-five shooting as ASU built a 30-point lead (55-25) by the intermission. The Sun Devils continued to show their dominance in the second half shooting 50 percent from the field. Redshirt junior Jill Noe, who would go on to score 18 points, helped the Sun Devils go on a 15-2 run near the midpoint of the second half stealing the ball and scoring on two straight possessions to help give ASU a 35-point lead, 78-43. The Sun Devils would lead by as many as 50 in the second half.
Also scoring in double figures for ASU were junior forward Emily Westerberg (13 points) and senior forward Amy Denson (10 points).
Tegan Cunningham, guard for the Melbourne Roos, scored a team high 23 points, to go along with four assists and nine rebounds.
The Sun Devils open up regular season play this Friday when they host the WBCA/BTI Classic, which will feature No. 16 Vanderbilt, Clemson and Missouri. In the preliminary games on Friday, Clemson will face Missouri at 6 p.m. followed by ASU taking on Vanderbilt (tip will be approximately 8:30 p.m.). On Saturday, the losing teams from Friday will face off in a consolation game, which will tip off at 4 p.m. The championship game of the WBCA/BTI Classic will follow the consolation game (approximately 6:30 p.m.).