Three takeaways from ASU basketball’s impressive 82-70 win over Utah

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State basketball looked in complete control from nearly start to finish in its win over Utah. The Utes looked like a very difficult opponent coming in, winning eight straight games and shooting the ball lights out. But the Sun Devils came ready to play and showed up Thursday night to extend their win streak to three games to open Pac-12 play.

Utah scored the first five points of the game, but ASU never looked back after that. The Sun Devils took an early lead, 19-12, about midway through the first half. The Utes fought back to tie the game at 36 with 1:19 left in the half. Then ASU closed the half on a 5-0 run, to lead 41-36 at halftime.

The start of the second half was back and forth before ASU went on a 23-8 run to take its largest lead of the game, 17 points.

This was a statement game for ASU to say the least, and a massive win for any NCAA tournament hopes in March.

Here are three takeaways from the game.

Three takeaways from ASU’s win over Utah

Frankie Collins’s flu game

Junior guard Frankie Collins was dealing with a sickness leading up to Thursday night’s game but was able to give it a go. It may not have been to the level of Michael Jordan’s flu game, but Collins had a flu game of his own. Although Jordan scored 38 points and Collins only scored 19 points. They both had seven rebounds and three steals in their respective games. Collins had one more assist than Jordan as well, six assists to five assists, respectively.

All jokes aside, Collins has been the leader of this ASU squad all season long and showed up big once again Thursday night. Collins leads the team in points, assists, and steals, and is second in rebounds. During the Sun Devils current three-game win streak to begin conference play, Collins has accumulated 56 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and 11 steals.

Collins is the most trusted player on this ASU team and has been a leader since he arrived in Tempe. This season he has taken his play to another level and has put his name in conversations around the Pac-12 awards lists.

If Collins can consistently play his pesky defense on one end of the court and continue to be a force on the offensive end, the Sun Devils have the talent and ability to continue this outstanding start to conference play.

Don’t forget about Jose Perez

Graduate student guard Jose Perez was the perfect complement to Collins Thursday night. Perez scored a season-high 26 points and added four rebounds and three assists. The veteran guard had scored 21 points in the last three games combined.

Perez shot 4/5 from 3-point territory. He had made three 3-pointers all season coming into the game. One area of struggle was at the free throw line, where Perez was visibly frustrated going 4/8. But Perez’s ability to knock down the 3-point shot Thursday night led to his fourth game with at least 20 points this season.

Perez has shown the ability to be a scorer throughout his collegiate career. He averaged more than 15 points per game in three of his previous four seasons. With ASU’s four, sometimes five, guard lineup, Perez no longer has to be the main scorer every night. On a night when ASU put up 82 points, Perez demonstrated he still has that ability.

The Sun Devils have four guards who are capable of being the main scorer: Collins, Perez, junior guard/forward Jamiya Neal, and redshirt junior guard Adam Miller. Along with sophomore guard/forward Kamari lands and freshman guard Braelon Green coming off the bench. If ASU can get any two of those guys to have a great game each night, the offense will thrive.

Offensive rebounds were still a problem against Utah

Despite a score that shows ASU winning handily, Utah stayed in the game for far too long due to offensive rebounding. This has been a struggle all season for the Sun Devils.

ASU is allowing an average of more than 12 offensive rebounds per game. The top 15 offensive rebounding teams in the country average 12 or more rebounds per game. ASU had held opponents to less than 10 offensive rebounds in its last three games but allowed 15 Thursday night. Previous to that three-game stretch, opponents had collected at least 10 offensive rebounds in every game this season, 10 straight games.

The Sun Devils have been injury-depleted at the center and forward positions, which has factored into the poor offensive rebounding defense. ASU’s guards have handled the bulk of the rebounding during the season which has contributed to the struggles along with the lack of size inside. But sophomore center Shawn Phillips returned in late December, and played 15 minutes Thursday, which is a good sign for ASU.

ASU’s defense can be very tough and keep the Sun Devils in games, but their offensive rebounding defense has to improve if they want to keep winning.

Bonus Takeaway: Best offensive performance of the season

ASU scored 82 points Thursday night, which was tied for the second most they’ve scored this season. But the scoring looked effortless against Utah. The Sun Devils had great ball movement leading to open shots and catch-and-shoot 3-pointers in rhythm.

As noted, Perez and Collins led the way with 26 and 19 points respectively. They were able to mix in pullup 3-pointers with tough drives to the rim all night. ASU scored 82 points against Vanderbilt and 84 points against San Diego, but Utah was one of its biggest tests yet.

The Sun Devils eclipsed 80 points for the first time since Miller gained eligibility and joined the team. It seems now that ASU has almost everyone healthy and playing, the offense is starting to find its rhythm.

If the Sun Devils can start to score offensively like they did against Utah, combined with their stingy defense, they have a chance to contend in the Pac-12.

Next, ASU will welcome Colorado to Tempe. The Sun Devils will try to start conference play 4-0 with sweeps in their first road trip and homestand. ASU plays Colorado on Saturday at 6 p.m.

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