Associated Press

Utah Utes (10-2, 1-0 Big 12) at Arizona Wildcats (10-4, 1-0 Big 12)

Tucson, Arizona; Tuesday, 2 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Utah faces Arizona after Gianna Kneepkens scored 24 points in Utah’s 102-82 victory against the Arizona State Sun Devils.

The Wildcats are 7-1 on their home court. Arizona is 0-1 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Utes are 1-0 in Big 12 play. Utah is 8-1 against opponents over .500.

Arizona’s average of 5.2 made 3-pointers per game this season is only 0.1 more made shots on average than the 5.1 per game Utah gives up. Utah scores 24.0 more points per game (83.1) than Arizona gives up to opponents (59.1).

The Wildcats and Utes face off Tuesday for the first time in conference play this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jada Williams averages 1.2 made 3-pointers per game for the Wildcats, scoring 11.5 points while shooting 24.6% from beyond the arc.

Ines Vieira is averaging 6.7 points, 5.9 assists and 2.1 steals for the Utes.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wildcats: 6-4, averaging 72.9 points, 33.9 rebounds, 13.5 assists, 11.8 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 61.5 points per game.

Utes: 8-2, averaging 80.6 points, 32.5 rebounds, 18.7 assists, 8.5 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.7 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah leaders responded to the death of former President Jimmy Carter with praise for the 100-year-old’s long-standing commitment to a service-oriented life.

According to a statement from The Carter Center, President Carter died on Sunday surrounde–d by family. He had entered hospice care more than a year ago, according to the Associated Press.

“A life well lived”

In a Facebook tribute, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson offered thanks for Carter’s “service to our country.” She added her gratitude “for his service to humanity.”

Former President Carter was elected to the U.S. presidency in 1977. He also served the people of Georgia as a state senator, and later, as the state’s governor.

“Deeply devoted to his country”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox praised President Carter’s devotion to “humanitarian efforts around the globe,” in a post on X.

Jimmy Carter lived a life of service, integrity and faith. As a man deeply devoted to his country and to humanitarian efforts around the globe, he leaves a legacy that transcends politics. Our prayers are with his family and all who mourn his passing. pic.twitter.com/1rPfnjYXJe

— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) December 29, 2024

Carter volunteered for more than 30 years at housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity. The organization helps provide housing for low- and moderate-income households across the United States and in “more than 70 countries around the world,” according to its website.

On Sunday night, Gov. Cox ordered state flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days to recognize Carter’s death. Cox welcomed private citizens and businesses to participate in the recognition.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement following the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:

“Leading by example”

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remembered the former president as a “dedicated public servant,” and offered comfort to the Carter family.

We express our deepest sympathy to the family of President Jimmy Carter and join with others in honoring his legacy of service to his country. President Carter embraced the Savior’s admonition to “love thy neighbor,” leading by example in many humanitarian causes and promoting peace worldwide. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and devoted man of faith. We pray that the Carter family may feel comfort and peace as they reflect on President Carter’s remarkable life.

“Testament to integrity, humility”

In a statement, the Utah House Democratic Caucus described an event they held in 2024. It honored President Carter and First Lady Rosalyn Carter’s “incredible legacy.”

Earlier this year, to honor President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s incredible legacy, Utah State leaders joined Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity for a special tribute to the Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity. Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla … alongside Habitat CEO Ed Blake, unveiled “Opening Doors.” The installation began as two plain white doors, symbolizing the Carters’ efforts to open doors to brighter futures for thousands of low-income families.

“A champion of human rights”

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes also noted the former president’s humanitarian work “with global charities, his church, and local community” in a post on X.

AG @SeanReyesUT and our entire AG office convey sincere condolences to the family of President Jimmy Carter, recognizing the service he rendered to our nation before, during and after he served as America’s 39th President.

From his time in the U.S. Armed Forces, his work with… https://t.co/wGjJkRS0jM

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— Utah Attorney General (@UtahAG) December 29, 2024

“Unwavering dedication to peace”

After he lost the presidency to Ronald Reagan in 1979, former President Carter created The Carter Center. According to the Associated Press, Carter didn’t want the center to be a library or museum. Rather, he wanted to build “a place where we could work.” The AP defined The Carter Center’s work as that of ” international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights.”

It was that work of Carter’s that Rep. John Curtis noted in his tribute to the former president on X.

President Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and had an unwavering dedication to peace. A copy of the Jerusalem Post from the day the Camp David Accords was signed hangs in my office. It serves as a reminder of the possibility of peace, the importance of building alliances, and the… https://t.co/cKXUMgqdjN

— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) December 29, 2024

“Making the American Dream available to all”

Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis used the former president’s own words to honor former President Jimmy Carter.

“President Jimmy Carter said, ‘The test of a government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged few, but how honestly and fairly it deals with the many who must depend upon it.’ As Democrats, we share President Carter’s commitment to making the American Dream available to all, regardless of the circumstances of birth. May we learn from President Carter’s example as we work towards a government that works for all Americans.”

The additions keep coming for Arizona this offseason.

Knowing they needed to overhaul this roster after a disappointing campaign where the Wildcats drastically underperformed, Brent Brennan and his coaching staff have attacked the transfer portal and added some potential difference makers.

That’s going to be important for Arizona.

They have plenty to replace based on graduations and players turning professional before even looking at those who put their names into the portal and have committed elsewhere.

Offensive playmakers are certainly needed after Tetairoa McMillan declared for the draft, especially since that unit was poor even with the program’s all-time leading receiver on the roster.

The latest player the Wildcats landed out of the portal is former Utah running back Mike Mitchell.

The 6-foot, 210-pounder was a three-star in the 2023 class.

He redshirted his freshman season before getting action this past campaign, totaling 158 yards rushing and a touchdown on 47 carries.

Mitchell is an addition who could make an impact next year and beyond with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

He also becomes the second running back Arizona has grabbed out of the portal, joining former Texas State star Ismail Mahdi who figures to compete with Kedrick Reescano for the starting role.

The Wildcats have to replace Quali Conley, Rayshon Luke and Brandon Johnson, with Conley being lost to graduation and the latter two looking to transfer.

A three-headed attack consisting of Mahdi, who led the FBS level in all-purpose yards during the 2023 season, Reescano, who produced 359 yards on the ground in a backup role, and Mitchell, who could be a productive player at the collegiate level, should have this offense much better positioned to move the ball consistently in 2025.