Cole Bajema hits 6 triples as Runnin’ Utes rout Solar Devils in Pac-12 Event win

Estimated learn time: 2-3
minutes

LAS VEGAS — Cole Bajema went scorched earth within the desert Wednesday night time.

At one level late within the first half, the graduate senior hit three 3-pointers in a row — one from the highest of the important thing and two from the nook — and helped put distance on Arizona State amid a 15-2 run within the first spherical of the Pac-12 Event.

It was the capstone to a complete dominating effort by the Utes over a lower-seeded Solar Devils group in search of an finish to the season. And doubtlessly the top of Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley’s tenure with the Solar Devils.

Utah constructed up a 28-point first-half lead on 70% capturing from the sector and 7 made 3-pointers, and dictated the phrases of the sport that it by no means trailed in. And the Runnin’ Utes went on to win 90-57, sending the Solar Devils (14-18, 8-13 Pac-12) dwelling packing to closeout the primary spherical of the Pac-12 Event.

With the win, Utah (19-13, 10-11 Pac-12) will now play third-seeded Colorado Thursday (9:30 p.m. MDT, Pac-12 Networks) within the closing recreation of the second spherical of the match.

And for probably the most half, Utah did it with out the service of main scorer Branden Carlson, who performed simply 19 minutes with a big sleeve over his left elbow after sustaining an damage within the closing recreation of the common season. Carlson, although, contributed to the 3-pointer tally, giving the Utes their first of the night time and ending with two triples for 7 factors.

Utah’s win was a collaborative effort, with eight gamers ending with greater than 7 factors, together with a close to triple-double effort from senior Deivon Smith, who completed with 15 factors, 10 rebounds and 9 assists earlier than being subbed out of the sport with 6:20 left to play within the recreation.

Bajema completed with six made 3-pointers on 9 makes an attempt to offer him a career-high 22 factors and three rebounds within the win.

The Solar Devils — who have been with out their second-leading scorer, Jose Perez, after deciding to play worldwide ball — shot 31% from the sector for the sport and have been led in scoring by Frankie Collins, who completed with 20 factors on 8-of-21 capturing.

Collins was one among solely two gamers for the Solar Devils to attain in double figures; Kamari Lands added 11 factors on 4-of-111 capturing, three rebounds and one help within the loss.

This story shall be up to date.

Most up-to-date Utah Utes tales