Sun Devils rout Jackson State as Carrera, Brackens anchor early success

Arizona State defeated Jackson State 84-41 on Monday night in Tempe, marking a decisive start to the 2026-27 season for the Sun Devils. The victory capped a game where the team overcame an early 11-2 deficit to build a lead of 47 points. With only four players returning from the previous roster, the win served as an immediate test of the new group's cohesion.

The opening minutes saw the team struggle, falling behind early due to what coach Molly Miller described as a lapse in communication. Miller noted that the nerves were evident in front of the crowd, but the players did not panic. She sat for a few possessions before the team regained its footing.

Forwards Heliosa Carrera and McKinna Brackens provided the offensive spark. The two returners scored every point for Arizona State during the first quarter, leading a 13-0 run that secured the lead. Carrera finished the game with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting and nine rebounds. Brackens added 14 points and eight rebounds.

Miller said the team's identity relies on dominating the paint. Carrera agreed, stating that her and Brackens' ability to work inside and outside the three-point line benefits the entire squad. Miller indicated that opponents will likely focus their scouting on Brackens, but she noted the team now has multiple guards who can create problems for defenses.

The depth of the roster allowed Miller to insert freshmen and transfers as the lead grew. Freshman guard Averie Lower made her collegiate debut with 15 points. She hit five three-pointers, despite missing her first four attempts from beyond the arc. Lower finished 5-for-12 from the field.

Lower said she had to trust her shooting ability to keep the shot going. Miller praised the freshman for maintaining that confidence, calling it a shooter's mentality that does not change after a miss. The team finished with 51 rebounds, including 20 on the offensive glass, and recorded 26 assists against 12 turnovers.

Miller emphasized that the team treats every loose ball as theirs to win. She wants the group to show aggression on both ends of the court. Carrera said the performance showed the team can execute well together, and she believes the chemistry will continue to improve as the season progresses.

The Sun Devils will host Northern Arizona University on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. MST. The game will be played on Salute to Service night.