TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Arizona State Sun Devils used a dominant second half to pull away from the UCF Knights, securing a 68-45 victory in a Big 12 Conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Sun Devils, improving to 16-1 overall, were led by a commanding performance from sophomore forward Heloisa Carrera, who scored a game-high 20 points. UCF, which struggled offensively throughout the contest, fell to 8-7.

The game’s decisive stretch began late in the second quarter and extended through the third. Leading just 26-21 at halftime after a sluggish first half from both teams, Arizona State found its rhythm after the break. The Sun Devils opened the third quarter on a 12-4 run, fueled by six points from Carrera and capped by a McKinna Brackens layup that pushed the lead to 38-25.

UCF could not mount a response, as its offensive woes continued. The Knights shot under 30% from the field for the game and managed only 12 points in both the third and fourth quarters. Arizona State, meanwhile, exploded for 20 points in the third quarter and 22 in the fourth, steadily increasing its advantage.

Carrera’s efficiency was key, as she added a rebound, an assist and a block in 26 minutes. Brackens provided crucial support with 15 points, while guard Gabby Elliott filled the stat sheet with 12 points, four assists and multiple defensive rebounds. Point guard Last-Tear Poa directed the offense effectively, dishing out six assists to go with five points.

UCF was paced by Summer Yancy’s eight points and three assists. No Knight reached double figures in scoring, with Kristol Ayson and Leah Harmon each adding six points. The Knights’ offense was hampered by 18 turnovers, which Arizona State converted into 19 points.

The Sun Devils also controlled the interior, outscoring UCF 38-18 in the paint and holding a 43-33 rebounding advantage. Defensively, Arizona State’s pressure limited UCF to just four fast-break points.

A crowd of 2,422 watched as Arizona State methodically dismantled UCF’s defense in the second half. The Knights kept the game competitive early, trailing just 15-9 after a low-scoring first quarter and staying within five points at the intermission. However, the Sun Devils’ burst to start the third quarter created a double-digit gap that UCF, with its stagnant offense, could never threaten.

The victory extends Arizona State’s strong start to the season, while UCF has now lost three of its last four games. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Arizona State entered the game with an 88.1% probability to win.

UCF continues its demanding road trip with a game at Arizona on Saturday. Arizona State will travel to face Texas Christian on Sunday.