SALT LAKE CITY — Utah opened up its Big 12 campaign with a 102-82 dismantling over Arizona State Saturday afternoon at the Huntsman Center.
Fueled by depth, momentum, and an unrelenting pace, Utah improved to 10-2 on the season and extended its home winning streak to eight games.
“We’ve been building on things the last couple of days, and it showed tonight,” Utah head coach Gavin Petersen said. “I thought our effort was excellent, and I’m really proud of how we executed.”
Utah started fast, attacking the paint with relentless drives and dishes to build an early lead. Sophomore Reese Ross, and fellow bench players Sam Crispe and Brooke Walker, provided a critical spark that showcased the Utes’ depth early.
But turnovers and foul trouble allowed Arizona State to capitalize early. A buzzer-beating 3-pointer gave the Sun Devils a narrow 25-23 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Ross, unfazed by the pressure, led the charge in the second quarter with 13 points and four rebounds, asserting dominance in the paint.
“All week, we’ve been harping on rebounding,” Ross said. “Being elite rebounders is so important to our team, and it showed tonight.”
By halftime, Utah had turned a close contest into a 10-point lead, 48-38. Despite strong play from Arizona State’s Jayln Brown, who tallied 18 points by the break, the Utes’ balanced offense and defensive adjustments set the tone.
Coming out of the locker room, Gianna Kneepkens and Kennady McQueen picked up where Utah left off in the first half, draining back-to-back-to-back 3-pointers.
“Seeing our team score in so many ways was great,” Petersen said. “Teams are going to start taking away the three.”
By the fourth quarter, Utah’s freshmen players stole the spotlight. Grace Foster, who made her collegiate debut, sank two 3-pointers and finishing with 6 points and a rebound. Fellow freshmen Walker and Kylie Ray also made meaningful contributions, underscoring the team’s depth.
The Utes pulled away late with an explosive transition offense, outscoring the Sun Devils 26-19 in the final frame.
Utah’s victory highlighted its dominance at the Huntsman Center, where the Utes won 35 of their last 38 games. The Utes’ 8-0 record at home this season is a point of pride for players.
“This is our turf,” she said. “You’re not going to come in here and take something from us.”
With Saturday’s win, Utah extends their record against Arizona State to 19-15 overall and 8-6 in Salt Lake City. The victory also underscores their readiness for the competitive Big 12 slate ahead.
Utah’s focus now shifts to their next test: a road matchup against Arizona on Dec. 31. The Wildcats handed the Utes a heartbreaking 71-70 overtime loss last season.
“It’s always good to get a win under our belt, but every game is different,” Kneepkens said. “We’ll be focused on the 31st when it comes.”
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