Nov. 13, 2009

The No. 16/11 Arizona State women's basketball team opens its 2009-10 season on Sunday (2 p.m.) when the Sun Devils host 2009 NCAA Tournament participant South Dakota State.

A little more than a week ago the Sun Devils defeated Vanguard University 97-64 in their only preseason exhibition contest. Sophomore guard Kimberly Brandon scored 19 points while fellow sophomore Kali Bennett added 18 points in the win. Senior guard Danielle Orsillo (14 points), redshirt freshman forward Janae Fulcher (12 points) and senior forward Kayli Murphy (11 points) also scored in double figures for ASU, which shot 45 percent for the game.

South Dakota State opened its regular season with a 75-71 win overtime win at home over Gonzaga on Friday night. Four Jackrabbits scored in double figures led by senior forward Marioa Boever, who had a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

PROMOTIONS

SPARKY'S FUN ZONE DAY

Before the game make sure to stop by Sparky's Fun Zone make posters, play on the inflatable games and meet the ASU Spirit Squad and Sparky. Also, admission to Sunday's game for Kids 14 and under is only $1!  Sparky's Fun Zone is located on the north side of Wells Fargo Arena.    

GOLD GAME

Wear gold to the game and pay only $3 admission! We need you fans, spread the word about this great deal, and great game!

TEAM NIGHT

Wear your favorite pro or college team jersey from any sport and receive $3 admission.

SUNDAY'S GIVEAWAY'S - ARRIVE EARLY

The first 500 fans to enter Wells Fargo Arena this Sunday will receive women's basketball trading card set 1 of 3 and gold pom poms.  Gates open at 1:00 PM - don't miss out!

ON THE AIR

Arizona State’s game vs. South Dakota State can be heard live on The Fan AM 1060 and on the Sun Devil Sports Network (subscription-based service that can be accessed via www.thesundevils.com). Pre-game coverage will begin at 1:30 p.m. Veteran broadcaster Jeff Munn is in his sixth year as the voice of ASU women’s basketball.

FORTUNE TELLERS

Despite the losses the Sun Devils encountered from last year's squad, there are many out there who feel that ASU will not skip a beat in 2009-10. The Pac-10 coaches picked the Sun Devils to finish third while the media predicted that ASU would finish second this season, which would match ASU's finish last season when it lost only three conference games.

On the national scene, the media has the Sun Devils 16th in the AP preseason poll while the coaches put ASU at No. 11.