The Utah Utes (22-7, 11-5 Pac-12) matched last year’s 41-9 first half domination of Arizona State (14-14, 4-11 Pac-12) with a 44-10 first half, en route to an 81-46 demolition of the Sun Devils at the Huntsman Center
SALT LAKE CITY—A lot of Utah fans were probably pinching themselves in the first half of tonight’s game against Arizona State: “Did we take a trip back in time to last year’s game?”
Not quite, but the Utes (22-7, 11-5 Pac-12) matched last year’s 41-9 first half domination of Arizona State (14-14, 4-11 Pac-12) with a 44-10 first half, en route to an 81-46 demolition of the Sun Devils at the Huntsman Center.
The Utes opened the game making their first five shots, all three-pointers from Jordan Loveridge and Brandon Taylor. Utah finished sinking 16 three-pointers, split between seven different players.
Twelve ASU turnovers and a 48.5 first half Utah field goal percentage led to the Ute faithful to applaud the Sun Devils’ fourth point, coming with 5:08 to play in the half, cutting Utah’s lead to 26. The crowd wasn’t as pleased when Obinna Oleka made two free throws with 1.7 seconds to play, putting his team into double-digit territory.
Utah held its largest lead of 45 points at 64-19 with 10:47 to play in the game. From there, Larry Krystowiak limited playing time for the starting five, allowing all eleven active players to get playing time.
Sixteen made three-point shots was the second-most in program history (17), and 40 attempted threes was tied for the most in program history.
The Utes finished shooting 44.4%, and holding the Sun Devils to just 25% from the floor.
The second-place #22 Utes will have a showdown with the #9 Arizona Wildcats, who are tied for third place in the conference, on Saturday at 12:00pm on ESPN 700 and ESPN TV. Pregame coverage gets underway at 10:00 on ESPN 700.
Larry Krystkowiak Postgame:
Jordan Loveridge, Brekkott Chapman Postgame:
Highlights:
