Molly Miller back with team ahead of ASU’s First Four matchup Arizona State women’s basketball head coach Molly Miller has rejoined her team in preparation for the program’s First Four game against Virginia on Thursday. Miller had not traveled with the team earlier in the week due to illness, but the Sun Devils remain hopeful she will be available for the crucial matchup. The team’s performance under Miller’s leadership in her first season was notable, with a 24-10 record securing one of the final at-large bids for the NCAA Tournament. A victory over Virginia on Thursday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2 would advance the Sun Devils to the Round of 64. Associate head coach Stephanie Norman, who temporarily assumed coaching duties during Miller’s absence, described the situation as “precarious.” Norman emphasized the team’s reliance on Miller’s guidance, stating, “Our leader is not here, and we’re hoping for the best, so she can recover and be with our team. That’s kind of the status—it’s hour to hour.” Despite the challenges, Norman highlighted the team’s focus on the upcoming game, noting, “We miss her dearly, but at the same time, we have a job to do.” Norman, a former ASU player (1984-88), previously spent 18 seasons on the Louisville coaching staff, where the Cardinals reached the Sweet 16 or better 12 times. Her experience and leadership have been critical in maintaining the team’s momentum during Miller’s absence. The Sun Devils’ path to the tournament remains uncertain, but the team’s determination to secure a spot in the next round is evident. As the First Four game approaches, the focus remains on executing the game plan and leveraging the support of the coaching staff to overcome the temporary setback.#ncaa_tournament #arizona_state #first_four #molly_miller #stephanie_norman
Illness keeps Arizona State's Miller home for NCAA tournament Arizona State women's basketball coach Molly Miller did not travel with her team to Iowa for its NCAA tournament game due to an illness. School officials expressed optimism that Miller would be able to rejoin the Sun Devils in time for their First Four matchup against Virginia on Thursday in Iowa City. Associate head coach Stephanie Norman, who previously spent 18 years as a coach at Louisville, will oversee most of the team’s preparations while Miller remains at home. Norman’s role will involve managing in-game strategies and ensuring the team is ready for the tournament matchup. This marks Arizona State’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2019, which coincided with Miller’s first season as head coach. Prior to joining Arizona State, Miller guided Grand Canyon University to its inaugural NCAA tournament appearance in 2025. The move to Arizona State represents a significant step in her coaching career, as she continues to build the program’s reputation. The Sun Devils’ participation in the tournament highlights the team’s progress under Miller’s leadership, though the absence of their head coach for the initial game adds uncertainty. The coaching staff’s ability to adapt and maintain focus will be critical as the team navigates the challenges of the postseason.#ncaa_tournament #iowa_city #arizona_state #molly_miller #stephanie_norman
Virginia edges Arizona State in NCAA tournament First Four Kymora Johnson scored 17 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 30.6 seconds remaining, as Virginia defeated Arizona State 57-55 in the NCAA tournament First Four on Thursday night. The Cavaliers, seeded 10th, advanced to face seventh-seeded Georgia in the next round, marking their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2018 under head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton. Johnson’s clutch 3-pointer, Virginia’s first of the second half in 10 attempts, gave the Cavaliers a 54-51 lead. With 5.3 seconds left, Johnson added a free throw to seal the victory. Arizona State’s Jyah LoVett lost control of the ball in the paint as the clock expired, ending the game. Johnson also recorded 10 rebounds for her ninth career double-double. Caitlin Weimar contributed 11 points off the bench, and Romi Levy added 10. Arizona State, seeded 10th, saw Marley Washenitz score 19 points on five 3-pointers, while McKinna Brackens and Heloisa Carrera each tallied 10 points. Gabby Elliott, Arizona State’s leading scorer, made just three of 13 field goals, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds. The Sun Devils, making their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2019, were coached by first-year head coach Molly Miller. The game saw Arizona State trail by as many as 10 points in the second half before rallying. Elliott’s jumper cut the deficit to 48-46 with 3:18 remaining, but Virginia’s defense held firm. The loss ended Arizona State’s season, while Virginia advanced to the next round, continuing its resurgence under Agugua-Hamilton.#virginia #arizona_state #kymora_johnson #amaka_agugua_hamilton #molly_miller
