PHOENIX –Arizona State men’s basketball looks to finish the final stretch of the regular season strong, heading on the road to play Utah. ASU is coming off a loss to No. 25 BYU, where it had a good enough showing to build confidence heading into this matchup. The Utes stand 11th in the Big 12, with a 7-10 conference record.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Utah is coming off a two-game road trip where it went winless and returns home looking for a tune-up game against ASU to get back on track. However, the Sun Devils aren’t going to roll over that easy, as the program has played much better basketball through the past few games. If ASU wants to stop with the moral victories, it starts with controlling the glass against Utah.
Feb 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Basheer Jihad (8) and Brigham Young Cougars guard Dawson Baker (25) and Arizona State Sun Devils guard Joson Sanon (3) and Brigham Young Cougars forward Mawot Mag (0) go after a loose ball during the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Utes are the 2nd best rebounding team in the Big 12 and average 12.2 offensive rebounds a game. In 28 games, Utah has only lost the rebounding battle eight times, which is 2-6 in those games. While ASU has won the rebounding battle in eight out of 28 games this season, losing 10 times in a row heading into Saturday.
The Sun Devils struggle to control the paint and secure rebounds late, leading to second-chance opportunities in the clutch. Sophomore forward Keanu Dawes and senior center Lawson Lovering have made Utah dangerous when attacking the glass. ASU will struggle against Dawes and Lovering in the absence of freshman center Jayden Quaintance, who will miss his second straight game with an injury.
Feb 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jayden Quaintance (21) and Houston Cougars forward Joseph Tugler (11) and Arizona State Sun Devils forward Basheer Jihad (8) go after a loose ball during the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Without the seven-footer in Quaintance, the Sun Devils will need a group effort to control the paint. Utah possesses size, but ASU has the athletic advantage with forwards like senior Basheer Jihad and Ali Amier, who have been more active in the paint during the past few games. Junior center Shawn Phillips Jr. must bring his toughness and aggressive playstyle against a Utah team that welcomes physicality. Striking first and controlling the glass will be the Sun Devils’ key to victory against the Utes on Saturday.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
