The Arizona State Sun Devils (12-12, 6-7 in Pac-12) put together an 85-77 victory in a road matchup with the Utah Utes (15-9, 6-7 in Pac-12) Saturday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!ASU wins in SLC 😈@SunDevilHoops picks up their 5️⃣th straight victory over Utah 🔱 pic.twitter.com/4bfbfcyuAT
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) February 11, 2024
Shooting improvements
The Sun Devils did what they had not been able to do during their five-game losing streak, convert at the three-point line.
In the first 20 minutes of play against Utah, Arizona State knocked down seven threes. While they went on to shoot just three-of-12 in the second half, the team was still overall efficient from beyond the arc.
Showing off the Range 👀@AceWolf44 hits from DEEP 👌@Frankiecollins0 follows with a swipe and score 👏
📺 @ESPN
📱https://t.co/bCZOU2EuHA pic.twitter.com/psaMGVTF53— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) February 11, 2024
After trailing by as much as nine in the first half, the Sun Devils turned it up during the final 20 minutes. They outscored the Utes 45-35 in the second half.
ASU had four scores in double-digits, including a 21 point performence from Jose Perez. This helped hold off a dominant game from Utah center Branden Carlson, who finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
He went into beast mode @showout_zayy0 💪
📺 @ESPN
📱 https://t.co/bCZOU2EuHA pic.twitter.com/JK6PH7hjfd— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) February 11, 2024
The Sun Devils once again benefited from forcing turnovers and capitalizing on them. They now have a performence to build off going forward.
Key Stats
ASU: Field goals: 32/69 (46.4%), 3 Pointers: 10/24 (41.7%), Free throws: 11/15 (73.3%)
Utah: Field goals: 31/67 (46.3%), 3 Pointers: 9/32 (28.1%), Free throws: 6/13 (46.2%)
ASU: 32 total rebounds, 10 turnovers, 21 points off turnovers
Utah: 37 total rebounds, 13 turnovers, 16 points off turnovers
Next Up for Arizona State
This was a much-needed victory for the Sun Devils, as they attempt to make a late-season run.
They will next face the Oregon State Beavers (11-13, 3-10 in Pac-12) on Wednesday, Feb. 14 @ 7 p.m. MST. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 84-71 just two weeks ago.
With seven regular-season games remaining, ASU will need to keep it rolling to have a shot at any tournament play.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering the Arizona State Sun Devils, Phoenix High School Sports, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
