The Sun Devils defeated the Utes, 73-60, to earn their fifth straight win over Utah in Tempe.
(Tempe, AZ) Arizona State Men’s Basketball picked up a 73-60 victory over Utah on Saturday afternoon at Desert Financial Arena.
The Sun Devils (15-14, 6-10) defeated the Utes (10-19, 2-14) behind a tremendous defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack. Arizona State secured a regular season series sweep of the Utes and their fifth straight win at home in the series. Head Coach Bobby Hurley has now won three consecutive home games despite facing a difficult Big 12 league slate.
The Maroon and Gold put together one of their cleanest performances in recent memory, avoiding fouls (season-low 6) and turnovers (season-low 5). Behind the energy of the home crowd, the Sun Devils quickly erased an early 14-5 deficit, outscoring the Utes 68-46 over the final 34:45 of the game. Arizona State was dialed in from behind the arc, hitting 9-of-17 (52.9%) on 3 PT FGs. ASU held Utah to only 60 points and 39% shooting, moving to 9-0 when allowing 70 points or less and 8-0 this season when holding opponents to 40% or less from the field.
The offense came from many angles today, with the Sun Devils managing to wear down the Utes defense. Arizona State shot 14-of-26 (53.8%) in the second half thanks to contributions from the entire rotation. The Sun Devil bench outscored the Utes 27-14 while also holding a 36-26 advantage over the visitors in paint points. Despite several players dealing with and playing through injury, it was Arizona State’s toughness that proved to be the difference.
Redshirt sophomore Santiago Trouet led the way with his fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He also added three blocks, delivering his fourth career performance with three or more rejections. Senior guard Moe Odum had a team-high 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-5 from distance. Freshman center Massamba Diophad a major impact on both ends yet again, accounting for 14 points, five rebounds, and four blocks. He now has four or more blocks in five games this season, all coming in Big 12 Conference play.
Senior guard Anthony “Pig” Johnson provided his usual boost off the bench, finishing with 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists. He had his 12th game with two or more steals this season. Junior guard Bryce Ford also came through for Arizona State as a reserve, scoring eight points and making 2-of-4 three-pointers. Senior forward Allen Mukeba came into the game questionable battling an ankle injury, but he suited up and played through it for his team. Mukeba was active and an important part of the victory, adding six points and two rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench. The Sun Devils remain at home for Senior Day, when they host No. 14 Kansas on Tuesday, March 3 at 7 PM.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Connor Smith
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