Analysis: Utes can’t overcome sluggish start against Arizona State

It was a familiar storyline for the Utes against Arizona State Wednesday night at the Huntsman Center, and even a strong second-half surge wasn’t enough to overcome another sluggish start, culminating in a 71–63 loss to the visiting Sun Devils.

Utah led briefly early at 5–4, but the moment was short-lived, as Arizona State quickly seized control and dictated the pace for a huge chunk of the opening half, building a commanding 41–25 advantage by halftime.

Utah’s offense struggled to find a rhythm early and was unable to solve Arizona State’s defense as the half wore on. The Utes shot just 33.3% during the first 20 minutes, while the Sun Devils played with far greater consistency, knocking down 51.6% of their shots and capitalizing on Utah’s slow start to create separation that proved too much to overcome.

A lot of Utah’s troubles in the first half can be attributed to the two-three zone that Arizona State came out with on defense.

Utah turned the ball over early and often, committing nine first-half turnovers, eight of which were unforced.

“I think we were well prepared for the zone they showed,” first-year Utah coach Alex Jensen said. “Part of the problem is executing the plays and not being able to break them off.

“Too many times, in the first half we were dribbling it for 10 or 15 seconds. I feel we were prepared for it, and we started to handle it much better in the second half.”

Arizona State’s bench outscored Utah’s reserves 16–0, allowing for a 12–0 run that gave the Sun Devils the chance to pull away and create some cushion midway through the first half.

The lead grew to as many as 18 points following an Anthony Johnson layup with 1:57 remaining before the break, giving Arizona State a comfortable advantage heading into the locker room.

But the Utes refused to go quietly, mounting a strong push in the second half and opening with an 11–2 run to cut into the deficit.

Utah’s improved ball movement and perimeter shooting kept the game within reach, but Arizona State responded by tightening up defensively and taking advantage at the free-throw line.

The Sun Devils’ ability to mix timely stops with consistent trips to the free-throw line ultimately allowed them to withstand Utah’s comeback effort.

Jensen said that he was encouraged by his team’s fight and response in the second half after a lackluster opening 20 minutes, but — as he has noted repeatedly this season — he emphasized the need for greater consistency and a more complete performance moving forward.

“It was disappointing with the way we started tonight. We can’t be digging ourselves in holes like that and expect to be able to get out of it,” he said. “The second half was great. I told them it’s amazing when you put your energy and mind and you emphasize the defense, how offensively things open up and it becomes easier. We have to be able to put a complete game (together).”

The Utes’ Don McHenry did his best to fuel the comeback attempt, scoring 12 of his 23 points in the final 20 minutes on 5-of-8 shooting.

Utah outscored the Sun Devils 18–8 in the paint and finished with a 21–18 rebounding advantage in the second half, including nine offensive rebounds that led to 10 second-chance points, showing greater energy and focus on the boards than in the first half.

The Big 12 has proven to be a beast for the Utes to conquer this season, as they now sit with only one win in conference play.

Regardless, Jensen knows that every game provides valuable experience, and he emphasized that his team can only continue to grow and learn by facing the strong competition that is within their conference.

“The Big 12 is real. The teams are really good and it’s a level a lot of them haven’t played at before. These games help our guys go through a lot of growth and maturity. It’s a learning and maturing process I think for all of us as a group.”

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