{"id":40412,"date":"2026-02-05T00:46:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T04:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/arizona-state-beats-utah-71-63-diop-leads-sun-devils-late-game-surge\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T00:46:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T04:46:28","slug":"84151-arizona-state-beats-utah-71-63-diop-leads-sun-devils-late-game-surge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/84151-arizona-state-beats-utah-71-63-diop-leads-sun-devils-late-game-surge\/","title":{"rendered":"Arizona State beats Utah 71-63, Diop leads Sun Devils late-game surge"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arizona State<\/b> just pulled off a stunning road victory last night in Salt Lake City. The Sun Devils<\/b> held off a furious Utah<\/b> comeback to win 71-63<\/b>, snapping their six-game Big 12 road losing streak<\/b>. With Massamba Diop<\/b> leading the charge late, ASU<\/b> proved they can win away from home when it matters most.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Final Score:<\/b> ASU<\/b> 71, Utah<\/b> 63, February 4, 2026 in Salt Lake City<\/li>\n
  • Leading Scorer:<\/b> Massamba Diop<\/b> contributed 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks for the Sun Devils<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Halftime Dominance:<\/b> Arizona State<\/b> led by as many as 18 points before taking a commanding 41-25 halftime lead<\/li>\n
  • Road Streak:<\/b> ASU<\/b> ends its six-game Big 12 road losing streak<\/b> with the clutch victory at Jon M. Huntsman Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Diop Rules the Paint in Late-Game Surge<\/h2>\n

    Massamba Diop<\/b>, the 7-foot-1 freshman<\/b>, was unstoppable when Arizona State<\/b> needed him most. The Sun Devils<\/b> center finished with 15 points<\/b> and 8 rebounds<\/b>, adding 3 blocks<\/b> as he controlled the interior. Diop<\/b> went 9-of-10 from the free-throw line<\/b>, showcasing impressive composure in clutch moments. His season stats are eye-catching: 48 blocks<\/b> already tallied against just 41 fouls<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Anthony Johnson<\/b> chipped in 14 points<\/b> for ASU<\/b>, while Moe Odum<\/b> added 13 points<\/b> with crucial late buckets. The trio’s balanced scoring spread Utah<\/b>‘s defense thin and prevented any single defender from dominating.<\/p>\n

    Anthony Johnson and Moe Odum Seal Victory at Free-Throw Line<\/h2>\n

    When Utah<\/b> mounted its furious comeback, Arizona State<\/b> did not panic. With the Utes<\/b> cutting ASU<\/b>‘s lead to just four points<\/b> with 1:41<\/b> remaining, Odum<\/b> answered with a crucial bucket in the lane. From there, the Sun Devils<\/b> made 4 of 4 free throws<\/b> to put the game away.<\/p>\n

    Arizona State<\/b> dominated from the charity stripe, shooting 18-of-21<\/b> overall. Utah<\/b> went just 8-of-13<\/b>, a 10-point shooting gap<\/b> in an 8-point game<\/b>. That disciplined free-throw execution proved decisive as the Utes<\/b> desperately trimmed the deficit in the final moments.<\/p>\n

    Utah’s Scoring Threats Flashed But Faded Late<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Factor<\/td>\nArizona State<\/td>\nUtah<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Record<\/td>\n12-11, 3-7 Big 12<\/td>\n9-13, 1-8 Big 12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Leading Scorer<\/td>\nDiop (15 pts, 8 reb)<\/td>\nMcHenry (23 pts, 4-9 3PM)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Notable Performance<\/td>\n9-10 FT line accuracy<\/td>\nLost 4th straight game<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Key Stat<\/td>\n18-21 FT (85.7)<\/td>\nTerrence Brown 2-16 FG (6 pts)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Don McHenry<\/b> scored 23 points<\/b> for the Utes<\/b>, combining 4<\/b> three-pointers to keep Utah<\/b> alive. Seydou Traore<\/b> added 16 points<\/b> with four 3-pointers<\/b> of his own. However, Terrence Brown<\/b>, Utah<\/b>‘s star who averages 22.1 points<\/b> nationally and ranks No. 4<\/b>, had a nightmare night. Brown<\/b> went 2-of-16 from the field<\/b>, finishing with just 6 points<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    “When we hold opponents to 70 points or fewer, we’re perfect. Tonight, that defense showed up when it mattered most.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 According to ESPN<\/b>, Arizona State<\/b> is maintaining a 7-0 record<\/b> when holding teams under 70 points<\/b><\/p>\n

    ASU’s First-Half Excellence Set Foundation for Late Heroics<\/h2>\n

    The Sun Devils<\/b> came out firing, building a 22-14 lead<\/b> by midway through the first half. Arizona State<\/b> continued its onslaught, stretching the advantage to 29-14<\/b> before Utah<\/b> could find any rhythm. By halftime, ASU<\/b> controlled the game with a 41-25 lead<\/b>, a 16-point advantage<\/b> that seemed insurmountable.<\/p>\n

    Utah<\/b> cut into the lead early in the second half, scoring 11 of the first 13 points<\/b> to cut ASU<\/b>‘s lead to just 7 points<\/b> with 15 minutes<\/b> remaining. The Utes<\/b> continued chipping away, nearly completing a stunning comeback, but Arizona State<\/b>‘s poise and Odum<\/b>‘s crucial buckets ended the drama.<\/p>\n

    What Does This Win Mean for Arizona State Moving Forward?<\/h2>\n

    This road victory could prove pivotal for Arizona State<\/b>‘s postseason hopes. The Sun Devils<\/b> sit at 12-11<\/b> overall and 3-7 in Big 12 play<\/b>, placing them near the middle of the conference standings. Ending the six-game road losing streak<\/b> demonstrates resilience when defending Salt Lake City<\/b>‘s hostile environment.<\/p>\n

    Massamba Diop<\/b>‘s emergence as a reliable closer gives ASU fans<\/b> optimism. The freshman center<\/b> has shown consistency across five consecutive games<\/b> with at least 2 blocks<\/b>. Arizona State<\/b> plays Colorado<\/b> on Saturday, seeking to build momentum and climb back into conference contention.<\/p>\n

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    Watch: Arizona State vs Utah Game Highlights<\/h3>\n