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ASU Basketball: Sun Devils dominant from three-point line

By James Malamas

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil stands on the court during a first-round game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament against the USC Trojans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 11, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. USC won 67-64. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil stands on the court during a first-round game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament against the USC Trojans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 11, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. USC won 67-64. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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ASU basketball defeated the Colorado Buffaloes and advance to the second round of the Pac-12 Tournament in large part to a great performance shooting from three.

In their third matchup of the year between the Sun Devils and Buffaloes, ASU was able to complete the season sweep, winning 66-49, and stay alive for another day in the tournament.

A big factor in determining the outcome for the game was the 3-point shooting. It was a tale of two stories between these two teams when it came down to it.

For Arizona State, exactly half of their points came from behind the three-point line. The team shot 11-for-27 from three, an outstanding 40.7 percent.

Courtney Ekmark had a huge game for ASU and was a big reason that the team was successful from downtown.

Ekmark had it going from deep, shooting 6-for-12 from three. She also led the team with 18 points, and all of her points came off of threes.

For Colorado were not as fortunate as ASU with their three-point shot. The Buffaloes shot 27.8 percent, going 5-18 from three and only shooting 1-9 in the first half.

Colorado senior Alexis Robinson was the majority of the team’s three-point shooting and was a big reason that they were able to stay in the game.

Robinson made four out of the five three-pointers for Colorado. She was one of two players for the Buffaloes to score double-digits and led the team with 19 points.

Coming out of halftime, Colorado was trailing by 12 points and needed a boost to try a complete the comeback. In the third quarter, Robinson proceeded to make three 3-pointers on three straight possessions and helped cut the Sun Devil lead down to two points.

The Buffaloes were gaining momentum because of Robinson’s shooting and Ekmark answered right back. Ekmark made three of her own three-pointers to keep ASU in charge and eventually close out the game with the 17-point victory.

Arizona State’s, and especially Ekmark’s, three-point shooting helped keep the Buffaloes at bay and advance to the quarterfinals.

After the game Ekmark described her mindset when it comes to hitting a high number of threes.

Next. ASU Basketball: Sun Devils prevail late against Colorado. dark

“I think just keep shooting it with confidence.” Ekmark said, “I knew I had a couple in-and-outs in the first half, so staying aggressive.”

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.