Kneepkens scores 22; No. 4 Utah stops Arizona State 74-69

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Gianna Kneepkens scored 22 factors and Jenna Johnson added 15 to push No. 4 Utah to a 74-69 Pac-12 victory over cussed Arizona State on Sunday afternoon.

The Utes (23-3, 13-3), who had a seven-game profitable streak stopped at No. 18 Arizona on Friday, struggled to place away Arizona State with out submit participant Alissa Pili.

Pili, the Pac-12’s main scorer at 20.7 factors per sport, didn’t play after struggling a proper ankle sprain within the closing minutes of the loss at Arizona. It was the primary sport she has missed.

“It was a type of video games that was simply exhausting,” Utah coach Lynne Roberts mentioned. “We sort of needed to do it by committee. It wasn’t a reasonably sport. It wasn’t our greatest sport. Coming off that sport Friday … we needed that badly, and we had been somewhat flat popping out of the gates. However we discovered method.”

Sydney Erikstrup had 15 factors, Treasure Hunt had 13 and Kayla Mokwuah had 11 for the Solar Devils (7-18, 0-16), who misplaced their sixteenth straight sport regardless of main many of the method.

The Utes didn’t get their first lead till Kneepkens’ 3-pointer made it 29-27 with 2:19 remaining within the first half and didn’t lead for good till Kneepkens made two free throws to interrupt a tie at 65 with 1:29 left. She had eight factors within the closing 6:38.

“Within the Pac-12, the very best convention within the nation, you at all times should be prepared,” Kneepkens mentioned. “Any staff can beat anyone any night time of the week. It makes it numerous enjoyable. Clearly (Pili) brings loads. Scoring. Rebounding. Simply her presence on the within. We simply all had to purchase in to giving extra, rating somewhat extra and get a pair extra rebounds.”

Johnson made two free throws with 40.8 seconds left for a 69-65 lead and Kennady McQueen and Ines Vieira made three fouls photographs to finish a late 7-0 run.

Utah shot 44.2% and made 6 of 21 3-point makes an attempt. They ranked fifth in NCAA Division I in each scoring at 84.2 factors per sport and in area aim proportion (49.0) coming in.

“To win with out taking pictures the three nicely, to win with out Alissa Pili, I’ll take it,” Roberts mentioned.

Erikstrup’s third 3-pointer gave Arizona State a 59-57 lead with 6:58 left, and Hunt’s layup with 1:51 remaining tied it at 65 earlier than Kneepkens was fouled on a drive to the basket and made each foul photographs. The Solar Devils missed their subsequent 4 area aim makes an attempt whereas Utah prolonged its lead on the foul line.

“We’re fighters,” Arizona State coach Natasha Adair mentioned. “We is not going to dangle our head. We don’t discuss circumstances.”

ALISSA PILI UPDATE

Pili was dominated out of the sport after receiving in depth therapy Saturday, however she mentioned she expects to be prepared for the ultimate common season collection subsequent weekend. The Pac-12 event begins March 1.

“I simply awakened not feeling so nicely so I made a decision to take a relaxation and prepare for subsequent week and the event,” Pili mentioned. Roberts was not as upbeat about Pili’s availability this weekend. “We’ll do our greatest to attempt to make it occur, nevertheless it may not,” she mentioned.

SEASON SWEEP

Utah gained the primary scheduled sport between the 2 this season by forfeit, when accidents and sickness pressured the Solar Devils to cancel the Feb. 3 assembly in Salt Lake Metropolis.

BIG PICTURE

Utah: The Utes assured themselves of a top-four league end and a first-round bye within the Pac-12 postseason event with the victory, one other program first for a staff that has achieved its highest nationwide rating. They continue to be within the working for a bunch web site within the NCAA regionals and can end the regular-season at dwelling in opposition to No. 3 Stanford subsequent Saturday.

Arizona State: The Solar Devils have had damage and sickness points throughout a tough season, however they’ve persevered. They led late into the third quarter in opposition to Utah, which was their fifth AP Prime 25 opponent within the final six video games.

UP NEXT

Utah: Hosts California on Thursday.

Arizona State: At Oregon State on Thursday.

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