In an impressive display on the court, Jose Perez led the charge with 21 points as Arizona State snapped their five-game losing streak with an 85-77 win against Utah on Saturday.
Perez was accurate from the field, sinking 7 of 11 shots which included a perfect record from beyond the arc and from the line for the Sun Devils (12-12, 6-7 Pac-12 Conference). This high-scoring affair allowed Arizona State to claim a season-high score and continue its dominance over the Utes (15-9, 6-7), marking the fifth consecutive win against them and a seventh in their last eight encounters.
Jamiya Neal added a vital contribution for Arizona State with 17 points and eight rebounds. The bench also provided a spark thanks to Adam Miller’s 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting, augmented with a couple of 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Frankie Collins contributed 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, plus three steals.
For Utah, Branden Carlson led the team’s effort with a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double – his third this season. Cole Bajema chipped in with 12 points, while Gabe Madsen added 11 points alongside six assists. Keba Keita also made his presence felt with 10 points and seven rebounds.
Despite Carlson’s 15 points giving Utah a 42-40 lead at half-time, Neal and Miller kept Arizona State within striking distance. The tide turned for the Sun Devils post-interval, with free throws by Perez followed by Collins’ layup and 3-pointer, alongside Miller’s basket completing a decisive 9-0 run for a 53-45 lead – a lead they would not surrender.
A 6-0 run by Perez increased Arizona State’s lead further, and despite Bajema nailing a three to close the gap to 75-71 with under three minutes left, Perez hit back with a three-pointer of his own to ensure Arizona State kept the upper hand.
Utah, having started the season strong at home, follows a prior defeat to No. 8 Arizona with this loss.
Looking ahead, Arizona State now heads home to welcome Oregon State on Wednesday, whereas Utah will face an away challenge against Southern Cal on Thursday.
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FAQ Section
Who was the leading scorer for Arizona State in the game against Utah?
Jose Perez led Arizona State with 21 points in their victory over Utah.
Did any Arizona State player record a double-double?
No Arizona State player recorded a double-double in this game, but Jamiya Neal had 17 points and eight rebounds, nearing a double-double performance.
How did Utah’s Branden Carlson perform?
Branden Carlson had a strong performance with 27 points and 11 rebounds, marking his third double-double of the season.
What is the next game for both teams?
Arizona State will be hosting Oregon State on Wednesday, while Utah is set to play against Southern Cal on Thursday on the road.
Conclusion
Arizona State’s win over Utah signifies a pivotal moment in their season, potentially serving as a catalyst to turn their fortunes around. With Perez’s clutch shooting and the team’s overall resilient performance, the Sun Devils have laid down a marker in the Pac-12 Conference. Both teams now look to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures.
