TEMPE, Ariz. – The energy inside Desert Financial Arena was electric as Tribal Nations proudly showed up to support Sydney Benally during the highly anticipated BYU vs. ASU showdown on Feb. 25.
Throughout the arena, signs bearing her name waved from the stands, a powerful reminder of the community backing her every move on the court.
Benally helped her team make history as 6,751 fans packed the arena — marking the second time this season attendance records have fallen. The first record-breaking crowd came earlier in January when BYU faced the University of Arizona in Tucson. The growing excitement around women’s college basketball has been undeniable, and this matchup added another chapter.
The game itself was a battle from the opening tip. ASU came out strong, edging BYU 13–12 at the end of the first quarter and extending its lead to 31–18 by halftime.
The Sun Devils appeared in control, feeding off their home crowd and momentum. But BYU refused to back down. The Cougars stormed back in the second half, knocking down three-pointers, crashing the boards, and shifting the tempo. Their persistence paid off as they rallied to secure a 66–61 victory in a thrilling finish.
This matchup marked the seventh meeting between BYU Cougars women’s basketball and ASU women’s basketball since 2010 (with the series dating back to the 1975–76 season). The Cougars are now 5-2 against ASU.
Earlier this season on Jan. 3 in Provo, BYU’s 71–62 win ended ASU’s impressive 15–0 start to the 2025–26 campaign. In that contest, ASU’s 34–28 halftime lead disappeared after BYU dominated the third quarter 17–8. Despite trailing by as many as 11 with just over two minutes remaining, ASU fought back to within four points with 48 seconds left. However, the Cougars sealed the win by scoring the final five points.
ASU entered the matchup with a dominant 15–1 home record, their only loss coming against K-State on Feb. 1 (74–67). Yet once again, BYU found a way to overcome the odds.
When the final buzzer sounded, the celebration extended far beyond the hardwood. Fans surrounded the BYU bus, filled the surrounding walkways and balconies, and chanted Benally’s name with pride – a moment where all local Tribal Nations came together to rally behind one of their own.
Hailing from Albuquerque, N.M., Benally built her foundation at Sandia High School, where she played for the Sandia Matadors and earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors her junior and senior seasons. Her story continues to inspire future generations of college athletes especially as we move into the state playoff season.
