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Show DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE Thursday, February 9, 2012 7 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Utes to focus on defense against Sun Devils Parker Lee STAFF WRITER Defense is the order of the day for the Utes (10-12, 3-8 Pac-12) as they prepare to play Arizona State (15-7, 6-5) tonight at 7 p.m. in the Huntsman Center. The Utes were playing better defense than many Pac-12 teams earlier in the season, but that success has slipped. Utah guard Iwalani Rodrigues said the team took a mental break because things were clicking defensively, so the Utes turned focus to other areas. "We all thought 'our defense is good,' but then we just watched film from the first time we played them [Arizona State], and we were pretty bad," Rodrigues said. Utah's past three games have featured offensive flurries from the opposing team, especially in the opening minutes of the game. Because of this and other defensive mishaps, the Utes have returned their focus to execution when the opponent has the ball. Kicking it into gear on the defensive end is easier said than done, especially in the Pac-12. Utah coach Anthony Levrets said it will be especially tough against Arizona State because of their size. "Six-three, six-five, six-two, six-three," Levrets said, listing the heights of the Sun Devils. "They are big, and they are good like everybody else [in the conference]." When Utah and Arizona State met for the first time this season, Arizona State shot 20 free throws, whereas Utah shot just six. Arizona State was whistled for just seven fouls, and Utah committed 15. The Sun Devils' size was the key to the freethrow discrepancy in that first matchup, and free throws have been a problem for the Utes ever since. "It has been that way every night. We are last in the conference in free-throw attempts by about 4o," Levrets said. "We're still working at it." Utah is the third best free throw-shooting team in the Pac-12 at 71 percent, so getting to the charity stripe more frequently could make a significant difference against Arizona State this time around. At 6-5 in conference play, Arizona State is three games ahead of the Utes in conference standings. A Utah win would give the team a chance to beat the Sun Devils before the season concludes. If the Utes cannot knock off Arizona State, they would have a lot of work to do to avoid finishing in the bottom third of the conference. Along with that, Utah needs to show it can beat CHAD ZAVALA/The Daily Utah Chronicle The Utes will need a strong effort on defense tonight to beat Arizona State in the Huntsman Center. any team in the conference. With the exception of Stanford, the Utes have played close with every other Pac-12 team. Turning those competitive efforts into wins will be crucial for conference tournament seeding. The Utes can't get too caught up with standings and seeding, because for now, they have their hands full with the Sun Devils. p.lee@ chronicle.utah.edu kirkhamgs® outdoor product s WANTED: Experienced video garners, specializing in puzzle games. Only you have the skills required to be a page designer for The Daily Utah With the standings as cramped as they are, Utah could play almost anybody to open the tournament. Having at least one win against most of the other teams would do wonders for the Utes' confidence. ALE FEBRUARY MELTDOWN GREAT QUALITY EXCEPTIONAL SAVINGS KINGSBURY HALL PRESENTS Chronicle. We need your unique ability to fit together many varied pieces into one unified whole. •All Clothing & Outerwear for Men & Women - Fall/Winter OFF 2wai, ( 4.4% off coupon) •All Cold Weather Insulated Boots for Men & Women Your parents thought you were wasting your time, now prove them wrong. 44% OFF rcao u p n •Entire Stock Skis, Snowshoes, Boots, Bindings & Accessories o 400/0 OFF (with coupon) Tra contact t.pratt@ chronicle.utah.edu to apply. r I EXTRA 20% OFF An 1Rish Vaent-ine THE BIRELEY FOUNDATION TONES oWALDO Women Lawyers Group GEORGE QMORRIS FOUNDATION Surprise your sweetheart with this celebrated Irish performance filled with traditional music and dance this Valentine's Day! Fe 0 ruary 4 I PM Tickets: 801-581-7100 I www.kingtix.com Tickets starting at $19.50 I U of U Discounts Available FaCZOok twitter „„ CITY eriarg& ARTS ,„. an. COUPON INGSBUR71 g 11 THE UNIVERSITY OF 1 I ANY SALE PRICED CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR, SKIS, SNOWSHOES or SKI ACCESSORIES including Bargain Balcony Valid through 3/5/12 with coupon Does not apply to previous purchases or L regular price items. Limited to stock on hand. I GLOVES, HATS & LONG UNDERWEAR ENTIRE STOCK 33% OFF kirkhanifs outdoor products kirkhamgsu outdoor products 3125 South State I Salt Lake City I 801.486.4161 kirkhams.com I M-F 9:30-8 I Sat 9:30-7 I Sun 11-6 |