ASU Basketball: Keys to Victory Over the Utes
By Mike Slifer
Jan 16, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Jahii Carson (1) shoots the ball as he is defended by Arizona Wildcats guard T.J. McConnell (4) during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Here are some keys to victory for tonight’s game against Utah:
1) Help on Delon Wright….
The Utah guard has been tearing it up this season. He is one of the top five performers in the conference when it comes to scoring and assists. Wright is long, athletic and tough to stop. Whether ASU plays man-to-man or zone, they better be prepared to slide off and help stop him from scoring.
2) …..But Don’t Leave Loveridge Open
Sophomore forward Jordan Loveridge is the Utes’ best 3 point shooter at around 39%. He excels at spot up shooting with no one around him. (somewhat similar to ASU’s Jon Gilling). Therefore, when the Sun Devil defense is leaving their man to collapse on Delon Wright, they better not leave Loveridge. His man needs to stay with him. Help on Wright will have to come from someone else.
3) Push The Tempo
While Utah is not necessarily the ‘slow-down’ program they used to be under former coach Rick Majerus, they still prefer a half-court game. ASU needs to run. They need to outlet/inbound the ball quickly, fill the lanes and sprint the floor for some quick offense. Coach Herb Sendek might even consider some full or ¾ court pressure, just to speed up the Utes.
4) Give Respect….
This falls into the category of “the mental game”. Utah is 7 points away from being undefeated. They have a really good squad. Their coaching is solid. The Ute players have embraced their roles and are excelling at it. If ASU decides that this game isn’t an exciting matchup because it’s not a traditional PAC opponent, or because it’s not a rivalry, etc, they will be guilty of not respecting their opponent. And if they fail to respect their opponent, Utah will beat them.
5) …..But Play With Extreme Confidence
Mentally, the ASU Sun Devils may be at a crossroads right now with their confidence. If they struggle at all during this game, they may start to doubt themselves. In basketball, doubting yourself attracts losses. A couple losses this weekend could push ASU over the edge and they could end up having a horrible season. On the other hand, a confident, hard-working team could win both of these games this weekend, go on a hot streak, and make it one of the best seasons coach Sendek has had here. That’s how important confidence is.