ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 16 Power Rankings

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 21: Luguentz Dort #0 of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts after dunking the ball against the Utah State Aggies during the second half of the championship game of the MGM Resorts Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 21, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Arizona State won 87-82. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

2. Arizona State Sun Devils (17-8, 8-5 Pac-12) LW: 2

If one thing is consistent with Arizona State, it is its inconsistency, as it once again couldn’t pull off a conference sweep.

The Sun Devils went from losing 77-73 to Colorado on Wednesday to arguably playing their best game of the season in a 99-87 win over Utah just a few days later.

The Colorado game was back-and-forth, but a poor second half shooting performance of 38.2 percent allowed the Buffs to take advantage of a combined 46 points from guards McKinley Wright IV and Tyler Bey to edge the Sun Devils.

A big reason for the turnaround was junior guard Rob Edwards, who was outstanding against the Utes. Edwards led ASU with 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including four buckets from downtown.

Another player who made a big difference was senior forward Zylan Cheatham, who put together his 11th double-double on the season with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Coach Bobby Hurley will get the chance to build on momentum found in the Utah game as the Sun Devils close out their final home series with the Stanford Cardinal on Wednesday and the Cal Bears on Senior Night this Sunday.

If the Sun Devils want to hear their name called on Selection Sunday, it is absolutely crucial that they come away with a sweep in their last weekend playing in Tempe this season.

For that to happen, the team that showed up at Utah will need to continue to show up, but that is easier said than done, as they have proven thus far.

– Wilkinson

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