TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — Marley Washenitz sank a 3-pointer with four seconds remaining to lift Arizona State to a dramatic 56-53 victory over UNLV in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Sun Devils remained undefeated on the season at 5-0, while the Runnin’ Rebels fell to 2-3.

In a game defined by defensive stops and offensive struggles, neither team led by more than seven points. The contest was tied at 53 with under 30 seconds to play when Arizona State called a timeout to set up a final play. The ball found Washenitz at the top of the arc, and the guard from Fairmont, West Virginia, connected on the game-winning shot. UNLV’s desperation 3-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark.

The finish was a stark contrast to the start of the game, which was dominated by UNLV. The Runnin’ Rebels opened the game on a 12-2 run and held Arizona State to just seven points in the first quarter, leading by five after the opening period.

The second quarter saw a complete reversal, as the Sun Devils erupted for 21 points. A 14-2 run, fueled by eight points from McKinna Brackens, turned the five-point deficit into a seven-point lead. UNLV managed to steady itself but still trailed 28-24 at halftime.

The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams combining for just 27 points. UNLV chipped away at the lead, outscoring Arizona State 14-13 in the period to enter the final quarter down just three points.

The fourth quarter featured five lead changes and two ties as the teams traded baskets. UNLV took a brief lead midway through the period, but the Sun Devils responded each time, setting the stage for Washenitz’s late-game heroics.

Brackens was the standout performer for Arizona State, scoring a game-high 23 points. Heloisa Carrera added 16 points and was a force defensively with multiple rebounds and a block. Washenitz finished with just three points but contributed five assists and the decisive shot.

UNLV was led by a balanced scoring attack. Mariah Elohim and Jasmyn Lott each scored 12 points, while Meadow Roland added 11 points and was a defensive presence with five blocks. Shelbee Brown facilitated the offense with four assists.

Statistically, the game was a tale of efficiency inside. Arizona State dominated points in the paint, outscoring UNLV 32 to 16. Both teams struggled from the free-throw line, with UNLV making 2 of 4 attempts and Arizona State making 3 of 4. The Sun Devils also won the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive glass where they secured seven rebounds to UNLV’s four.

The game was played at a deliberate pace, with UNLV scoring 53 points on 65 possessions and Arizona State managing 56 points on 66 possessions. The teams also combined for 29 turnovers.

A crowd of 2,728 at Wells Fargo Arena watched the Sun Devils secure their fifth straight win to open the season. UNLV, which has now lost two of its last three games, will look to rebound when it hosts Creighton on Wednesday. Arizona State continues its homestand against Utah Tech on Tuesday.