Hobbled January sparks Sun Devils

DULUTH, Ga. – Fouls and an injury held back Briann January for most of the game, but not when Arizona State needed the senior the most.

January’s return from an ankle injury gave the Sun Devils a spark, and Arizona State beat Florida State 63-58 on Monday night to advance to the NCAA regional semifinals.

Sixth-seeded Arizona State (25-8) will play the winner of today’s Texas A&M-Minnesota game on Sunday in Trenton, N.J. Third-seeded Florida State finished 26-8.

“I’ve had some great teams and great players over the years,” said Turner Thorne after her 250th win in her 13th season at the school. “All made me proud but I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud than I am tonight.”

January, the two-time Pac-10 defensive player of the year from Lewis and Clark High School, played only eight minutes in the first half while picking up three fouls. The senior guard hit a 3-pointer five minutes into the second half but left shortly after a collision with 9:40 remaining.

January, who was limping after falling to the floor, had her right ankle taped and returned with 6:44 remaining and Florida State leading 44-39.

January’s return seemed to spark the Sun Devils. January had 11 points, six assists and two steals and four fouls in only 23 minutes.

“Charli said the team that comes together and pulls together is going to win,” January said. “You know, that just showed how tough our team is.”

“She’s really our only true ball-handler, and they knew we needed her in the game,” Turner Thorne said of the way Florida State attacked January.

“I think they went after her, and to me they were very physical with her, but we were just playing,” Turner Thorne said. “It just happened, but you really have to try hard to keep her out of the game if she’s hurt.”

Turner Thorne said January “has some quick healing to do” before the regional semifinals.