The No. 22-ranked Utah Runnin’ Utes (21-7) will wrap up the regular season when they go head-to-head against the Arizona State Sun Devils (14-13) at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Action begins at 9:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 and can be seen on PAC.
The Runnin’ Utes enter this game hoping for similar success after topping USC 80-69 on Sunday. Jakob Poeltl played a pivotal role, recording his 12th double-double of the season with 29 points and 13 rebounds. The Sun Devils, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their ugly 99-61 loss against Arizona on Wednesday. Andre Spight had a team-high 15 points.
Over the last five games, Poeltl has taken his game to another level for the Runnin’ Utes, averaging 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 block.
When evaluating eFG%, the Runnin’ Utes could have a healthy advantage on offense. They’re ranked ninth in the nation in that category at 56.4%, while the suspect defense of Arizona State is ranked 271st in eFG% defense, allowing opponents to connect at a rate of 51.6% this year.
Notes
In its last game, Arizona State lost by a margin of 38 points. Utah is 7-2 in games decided by a margin of 18 points or more. Arizona State has a 3-1 record in blowouts.
The Arizona State Sun Devils average 70.5 possessions per game and 1.064 points per possession. The Utah Runnin’ Utes earn fewer possessions with 68.4, but they score more points with 1.155.
The Utah Runnin’ Utes have one of the best effective field goal percentages this season, ranking ninth in the country with an eFG% of 56.4%. When their opponents record a similar or higher eFG%, the Arizona State Sun Devils have a poor 2-5 record.
Utah ranks 30th in assists, registering 16.2 per game. Arizona State performs worse at 218th with 12.8 assists per game.
Utah, the 91st-ranked team in blocked shots, records an average of 4.1 per game. Arizona State does worse, ranked 255th with 2.8.
Arizona State makes an average of 5.4 steals per game. Utah has a solid 15-6 record when it allows at least 5 steals.
