Branden Carlson Makes History in Loss to Arizona State

Branden Carlson becomes the program's all-time career block leader as the Utes fall to the Sun Devils.

The Huntsman hosted the Devils from the Desert as the Runnin' Utes tried to stay afloat in the race to win the Pac-12. 

After losing to 8th-ranked Arizona in triple overtime, the Utes would've hoped to get a bit of reprieve against the Wildcats territorial cup rival Arizona State, who have been floundering so far this season, going into the game 11-12 overall and 5-7 in conference play. 

Despite the Sun Devils' poor form, they showed up to play, and their execution from beyond the arc was a big reason for their victory as they shot at a 45.5% clip to Utah's 31% clip. 

Branden Carlson had himself a night leading the team in points and rebounds while also passing David Foster on the all-time career blocks list with 220 and counting. Carlson went 10/20 from the field and 3/6 from the line for 25 points while also grabbing 11 boards, 10 on the defensive half of the court. Meanwhile, Deivon Smith led the team in assists, dishing out 7 dimes. 

Forever a 𝗨𝗧𝗔𝗛 𝗠𝗔𝗡. pic.twitter.com/SP2pyu29FZ

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) February 11, 2024

For the Sun Devils, Jose Perez was the leading scorer going 7/11 from the field and 5/5 from the line for 21 points. Jamiya Neal led the team in rebounds grabbing 8 boards, all on defense. Frankie Collins was the team's leading assister, dishing out 6. 

With the loss, the Runnin' Utes move to 15-9 on the season and 6-7 in the conference, while Arizona State moves to 12-12 on the season and joins Utah and California at 6-7 in the conference. 

Next up for the Utes is a trip to Los Angeles, California where they will face the USC Trojans for some more Pac-12 action on February, 15th.