Utah Utes vs Arizona State Sun Devils Picks and Predictions March 1st 2025

Struggling Arizona State, Utah Seek Much-Needed Win in Big 12 Matchup

Both Arizona State and Utah are enduring disappointing seasons, with coaching uncertainty and roster challenges overshadowing their performances. As the Sun Devils and Utes prepare to face off Saturday night in Salt Lake City, both teams are desperate to break out of their struggles and regain momentum in Big 12 play.

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Coaching Uncertainty Looms Over Both Teams

The Utes (15-13, 7-10 Big 12) recently made a bold move, firing head coach Craig Smith after four seasons. Josh Eilert has stepped in as interim coach but had a rough start, losing his debut 83-66 to No. 22 Arizona on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Arizona State (13-15, 4-13) is facing questions about the future of head coach Bobby Hurley. Now in his 10th season, Hurley’s team has spiraled with 12 losses in its last 15 games. The Sun Devils most recently fell 91-81 at home against BYU, raising speculation about whether a coaching change might be on the horizon.

Arizona State’s Depth Crisis Intensifies

One of ASU’s biggest challenges heading into this game is its depleted roster. The Sun Devils played with just seven players against BYU due to:

• BJ Freeman’s departure (leading scorer at 13.7 ppg)
• Alston Mason’s illness
• Jayden Quaintance’s knee injury

With key players missing, Hurley voiced his frustration.

“The universe is talking to me about something right now to me, and I don’t know what it is,” Hurley said. “I’m scared to wake up. I hope I wake up tomorrow. I think I will, I hope I will, but I’m scared to see what tomorrow brings.”

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Utah’s Home-Court Edge & Key Performers

Despite Utah’s struggles, the Utes boast a strong 14-3 home record, which could work in their favor. One bright spot in their recent loss to Arizona was backup forward Keanu Dawes, who posted a season-high 18 points and 10 rebounds, marking his third double-double of the season.

Utah’s leading scorer, Gabe Madsen (15.6 ppg), remains a key offensive piece, while Arizona State’s top scorer (in Freeman’s absence) is Mason (12.7 ppg), assuming he returns from illness.

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Head-to-Head: Arizona State’s Recent Dominance

Although both teams were previously part of the Pac-12, this will be their first meeting in the Big 12. Arizona State has had the upper hand in recent years, winning seven of the past nine matchups against Utah.

What’s at Stake?

• For Utah: Can they turn things around under Eilert and protect their strong home record?
• For Arizona State: Can they overcome depth issues and secure a much-needed victory?
• For both coaches: Hurley’s future at ASU remains uncertain, while Eilert aims to prove himself as Utah’s interim leader.

With both teams desperate for a win, Saturday’s matchup will be a test of resilience, strategy, and adaptation.