TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Arizona State Sun Devils used a dominant second-quarter surge to overcome a slow start and remain undefeated, defeating the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans 59-41 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Friday afternoon at Wells Fargo Arena.

A crowd of 2,108 watched as the Sun Devils, now 7-0, shook off a sluggish first quarter with a 23-point explosion in the second period to seize control of the game. The Trojans, who led after the opening quarter, fell to 1-4 with the loss.

The game began as a defensive struggle, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Arizona State’s Heloisa Carrera finally broke the scoreless tie nearly 90 seconds into the contest with a tip-in layup. Arkansas-Little Rock responded, with Jordan Holman scoring the Trojans’ first points on a turnaround jumper. The first quarter was characterized by turnovers and missed opportunities, ending with the Trojans holding a surprising 9-10 lead.

The complexion of the game changed entirely in the second quarter. The Sun Devils’ defense intensified, creating turnovers and converting them into easy transition baskets. A 13-0 run, fueled by the backcourt duo of Amaya Williams and Marley Washenitz, turned the one-point deficit into a double-digit advantage. Williams was instrumental during the run, hitting pull-up jumpers and driving layups, while Washenitz connected on a 3-pointer and capitalized on free throws.

Arizona State outscored Arkansas-Little Rock 23-5 in the quarter, holding the Trojans to just two made field goals. The Sun Devils forced eight turnovers in the period, converting them into 12 points and taking a 33-14 lead into halftime.

Arkansas-Little Rock showed signs of life after the break, primarily through the individual efforts of Holman. The guard from Hugo, Oklahoma, scored 10 of her team’s 12 points in the third quarter, including two 3-pointers, to keep the Trojans within striking distance. However, every time the Trojans threatened a run, Arizona State had an answer, often from Williams or forward McKinna Brackens, to maintain a comfortable margin.

The Sun Devils’ lead never dipped below 15 points in the fourth quarter as they managed the clock and secured the 18-point victory.

Holman was the standout performer in a losing effort, finishing with a game-high 21 points, along with seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals. She was the only Trojan to score in double figures. The team’s offensive struggles were stark, shooting just 27.1% from the field and committing 22 turnovers.

Arizona State’s victory was a balanced effort. Williams, a guard from Mission Viejo, California, led the Sun Devils with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Brackens, from Fairfield, Texas, provided a strong interior presence with 11 points and six rebounds. Washenitz, of Fairmont, West Virginia, filled the stat sheet with nine points, three rebounds, three assists, a block and two steals.

The Sun Devils’ defense was the story, however. They matched their season-high with 13 steals and capitalized on the Trojans’ mistakes, scoring 23 points off turnovers. While their own shooting from beyond the arc was poor at 20%, they dominated inside, outscoring Arkansas-Little Rock 42-18 in the paint.

Arizona State continues its homestand Saturday against Southeast Missouri State. Arkansas-Little Rock looks to rebound quickly, facing San Diego on Saturday in a neutral-site contest also in Tempe.