Final
  for this game

Tobin scores 18 to lift No. 16 Arizona State

Nov 15, 2009 - 11:26 PM TEMPE, Ariz.(AP) -- Becca Tobin scored a career-high 18 points to help No. 16 Arizona State beat South Dakota State 73-64 Sunday in the Sun Devils' opener.

Danielle Orsillo added 12 points, five assists and four steals for the Sun Devils, which lost in an NCAA regional final to national champion Connecticut last season.

Kristin Rotert scored 14 points to lead the Jackrabbits (1-1) and Jennie Sunnarborg had 11 points.

Arizona State started the second half on an 8-3 run to open up a 46-39 lead, taking advantage when South Dakota State missed five of its first six shots.

The Jackrabbits were 9 of 26 from the field in the second half.

Kayli Murphy, one of only two returning starters for Arizona State, added 12 points, 13 rebounds and a pair of steals.

Tobin made 7 of 11 shots in her first start and added six rebounds. Junior college transfer Tenaya Watson added eight points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.

Kali Bennett, in her first game after sitting out a year following her transfer from Pac-10 rival Washington, blocked three shots in 15 minutes for the Sun Devils.

Maria Boever had eight points, nine rebounds and two steals for the Jackrabbits, an NCAA tournament team a year ago.