TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Arizona State Sun Devils used a dominant first quarter and a near-perfect performance from the free-throw line to remain undefeated, pulling away from the Colorado Buffaloes for a 79-63 victory in a Big 12 women’s basketball game Sunday at Wells Fargo Arena.

Arizona State (14-0, 1-0 Big 12) exploded for 26 points in the opening period, building a double-digit lead that Colorado (9-4, 0-1) spent the rest of the afternoon unsuccessfully trying to erase. The Sun Devils’ efficiency was the story, as they shot 59.1% from the field, made 7 of 12 three-point attempts, and converted a staggering 20 of 23 free throws.

Colorado, which entered the game as a slight favorite, struggled to match that offensive execution. The Buffaloes shot 44.1% overall and were just 4 of 14 from beyond the arc. While they forced 21 Arizona State turnovers and collected 14 steals, their own 16 turnovers and a significant deficit in free-throw attempts proved too much to overcome.

The game’s decisive stretch came early. Arizona State opened with a 15-2 run, fueled by three-pointers from Last-Tear Poa and Gabby Elliott. Colorado’s offense sputtered with multiple shot-clock violations and turnovers, allowing the Sun Devils to establish a commanding 26-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Buffaloes never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.

McKinna Brackens led Arizona State with 18 points, including several key baskets to halt Colorado rallies. She was one of four Sun Devils to score in double figures, joined by Heloisa Carrera and Marley Washenitz with 14 points each, and Elliott with 13. Washenitz also contributed four assists and three steals.

Colorado was paced by Zyanna Walker’s 15 points. Jade Masogayo added 14 points and four assists, while Anaëlle Dutat scored 12 points and Desiree Wooten finished with 11. The Buffaloes’ effort was highlighted by their defensive pressure, but they could not consistently string together stops and scores to truly threaten the lead.

Arizona State maintained control by answering every Colorado push. When the Buffaloes cut the lead to 39-31 late in the second quarter, the Sun Devils scored the final five points of the half. In the fourth quarter, after a Logyn Greer layup brought Colorado within 70-65 with just over three minutes remaining, Arizona State closed the game on a 9-2 run, with Brackens scoring six points from the free-throw line.

The most important part of the game was Arizona State’s immediate and overwhelming first-quarter blitz. It established a tempo and a margin that dictated the remainder of the contest, forcing Colorado to play from behind against a team that protected the ball well enough and shot with exceptional accuracy to never let the advantage slip.

The attendance was 7,421. Arizona State next plays at Utah on Dec. 31. Colorado will host Arizona on the same date.