The Wasatch County GOP said it was “deeply concerned and troubled” about the allegations against David Nephi Johnson.
LOADINGERROR LOADING
A county Republican Party official in Utah is facing child abuse charges after he was arrested earlier this week for what his 16-year-old daughter described to authorities as waterboarding.
David Nephi Johnson, who until his arrest Tuesday in Heber City headed the Wasatch County GOP, was arrested on one count of first-degree felony aggravated child abuse after the Utah Division of Child and Family Services received a report.
Advertisement
Johnson’s daughter told authorities in January that her father had “waterboarded” her for not cleaning her bedroom to his satisfaction,according to an affidavit obtained by HuffPost.
In the affidavit, an officer who interviewed the victim said she was emotional and crying while she “disclosed that approximately one and a half to two weeks before the interview, her father waterboarded her.”
The girl also told police that her father had grabbed her by the neck and took her “into the bathroom while the sink was filling with water,” the affidavit stated.
Advertisement
“She disclosed that [Johnson] dunked her head under, brought it out, splashed water in her face” and then dunked her head under “again and again,” the officer wrote.
The victim said she didn’t know how long the dunking session lasted, but told investigators she was sometimes unable to breathe for up to 30 seconds at a time.
“I don’t feel very safe. When I go to bed, I feel like I can’t sleep because I don’t feel safe,” she told investigators, according to the affidavit. “When my dad’s not home, I feel fine. But when he’s home, I never feel safe because I feel like something is going to happen.”
Advertisement
The victim alleged that her siblings had experienced the same punishment and said he hit them and made fun of them for crying.
Johnson was taken into custody Tuesday and was released on $10,000 bail the next day. His next court date is March 11.
After he was arrested, the Wasatch County GOP announced on its website that its members are “deeply concerned and troubled by the nature of the allegations brought forward by the Heber City Police Department,” before announcing that, “in accordance with our bylaws, Vice Chair Patty Sprunt will temporarily assume leadership to ensure the party continues its work for the residents of the county without distraction.”
Its origin, though, adds an interesting element: Currently, University of Utah researchers believe that because the Friday quake hit in Magna, it’s an aftershock of the even bigger 5.7-magnitude …
Utah was rattled Friday by another earthquake — the third to be widely felt in less than a month.
(USGS) A map from the U.S. Geological Survey shows the epicenter of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred in West Valley City, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
“We might change our mind in the future. But that’s our initial hypothesis: This could be an aftershock of that event‚” said Katherine Whidden, a research scientist at the U.’s Seismograph Stations.
Aftershocks, she said, can stretch long after a quake — even six years later. And the big earthquake had several before the likely one Friday.
“They can just go on for a long time,” she said.
Typically, seismologists determine if a quake is an aftershock based on the baseline for a fault. And Magna, while it’s started returning to its baseline from the 2020 quake, hasn’t gotten all the way back yet, Whidden noted.
Another quake on Feb. 5 was centered in northern Utah County, near Thanksgiving Point and about 4.4 miles west of Lehi. That one was also a 3.5 magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Whidden said having three quakes close together like that might cause alarm, but there’s good news: Because those three recent ones were in such different locations, they aren’t related.
“It’s just coincidence,” she said. “This is how a random distribution looks.”
The one that hit by Wyoming, near the Uinta Mountains, in particular, Whidden said, “is in a completely different stress regime.”
People from across the Salt Lake County went on social media Friday to report feeling the quake. And the U. has, so far, received more than 2,800 reports from individuals.
It was felt as far north as Ogden and as far south as Provo. To the east, residents in Park City might have felt it. And to the west, those in Tooele could’ve been a little shaken.
A bout of rumbling was also felt at the earthquake-retrofitted Utah Capitol.
Some people reported seeing objects moving in their houses during the quake. Others said they could hear a loud noise.
Whidden said after any tremor, there’s a 5% chance it is a foreshock to a bigger quake. Those odds decrease as more time passes, though.
The recent rattling, she said, is a “really good reminder that we are in earthquake country.”
She advised Utah residents to be prepared with a 72-hour kit containing food, water and medicine in the event of a larger quake. If a weeklong kit can be prepared, that’s even better.
Families should also draft plans, Whidden said, for what they’ll do in a major earthquake, such as how they’ll reach each other and where they’ll go.
Cell towers are sometimes damaged by quakes, she added, but more likely they’ll be overwhelmed with multiple people trying to call or text at the same time in an emergency.
Utah has long been set to have a massive quake — known as the “Big One” — with a 50% chance of that happening sometime within the next 50 years.
Help The Tribune report the stories others can’t—or won’t.
For over 150 years, The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent news source. Our reporters work tirelessly to uncover the stories that matter most to Utahns, from unraveling the complexities of court rulings to allowing tax payers to see where and how their hard earned dollars are being spent. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without people like you—individuals who understand the importance of local, independent journalism. As a nonprofit newsroom, every subscription and every donation fuels our mission, supporting the in-depth reporting that shines a light on the is sues shaping Utah today.
A highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in wild birds around the Great Salt Lake and in several other counties throughout Utah, according to the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR).
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in wild birds around the Great Salt Lake and in several other counties throughout Utah, according to the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR).
The first case of the virus was detected in April 2022 when dead great horned owl tested positive for the flu. DWR says multiple waves of the outbreak have affected Utah’s wild bird populations since then.
“We saw a lull in new avian flu cases in wild birds from March 2025 to September 2025, but in the last few months, we have seen another uptick in new cases across Utah,” DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
According to officials, 49 wild bird carcasses have been collected since Oct. 2025 from across Utah and were submitted for disease testing. All tested positive for avian influenza. Biologists estimate that roughly 50,000 eared grebes and 250 California gulls have died along the south arm of the Great Salt Lake during this latest influx of avian influenza.
Eared grebe collected October 2025 at Great Salt Lake_John Neill/DWR
The birds most impacted by the latest influx of avian flu cases are:
Eared grebes in Box Elder, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele and Weber counties
California gulls in Salt Lake County
Canada geese in Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Iron, Sevier, Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, Washington and Weber counties
Ducks in Box Elder and Davis counties
Great horned owls in Box Elder, Davis, Summit and Weber counties
Hawks in Box Elder, Davis and Weber Counties
Swans in Cache and Salt Lake counties
Turkey vultures in Box Elder and Weber counties
“Roughly 4 million eared grebes migrate through the Great Salt Lake each year, so the birds lost to avian influenza in this recent wave should not have a significant impact on the overall population,” DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Wildlife Biologist John Neill said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Eared grebes typically use the Great Salt Lake as a rest area during their winter migrations to eat brine shrimp, fatten up and molt before they continue their southern migration, Neill explained. But because of the warm winter, eared grebes are still on the lake.
“The warmer lake temperatures are helping brine shrimp persist longer into the winter, and because they’re the primary food source for eared grebes, that’s likely why the birds are still here. Dead birds may continue to wash ashore in the coming months,” Neill said.
Since 2022, 242 wild birds, one mountain lion, some skunks and three red foxes have tested positive for avian flu in Utah. The virus has been confirmed in 19 counties in Utah since 2022.
What are highly pathogenic avian influenzas
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are very contagious among wild birds and can cause rapid and high mortality in domestic birds, such as chickens, turkeys and domestic ducks. But DWR biologists claim that this strain is more pathogenic and has been killing more wild birds.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The virus is spread among birds through nasal and oral discharge, as well as fecal droppings. It can be spread to backyard poultry and domestic birds through contaminated shoes or vehicles.
The previous outbreak of avian flu in the U.S. occurred in 2014–15, when highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza were detected in wild birds of the Pacific, Central and Mississippi flyways. During that outbreak, officials say the virus was only detected in two healthy ducks in Utah.
What must you know?
If you have a bird feeder, DWR officials say that you shouldn’t have to remove it unless you also have backyard chickens, domestic ducks or wild waterfowl on their property. However, if you have a bird feeder or birdbath, you should clean it regularly.
Officials are also asking the public to not touch or pick dead birds up. “The outbreak is still ongoing, so we are still advising anyone who finds a group of five or more dead waterfowl or shorebirds — or any individual dead scavengers or raptors, to report it” Stout said. You are asked to report it to nearest DWR office.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Biologists say they will continue to monitor this virus in wild bird populations. “This particular strain is affecting more wild birds and is more widespread than the last outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S.,” Stout concluded.
Latest headlines:
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Bronco Mendenhall’s Aggies should do some damage in the new Pac-12. Here’s the CFN analysis of the 2026 Utah State football schedule.
Utah State won six games last year, but it could’ve been better.
It had Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and road trips to Hawaii and New Mexico on the slate, but it should’ve beaten UNLV and came close against Boise State late.
This year, it’s another hard run early, but the potential is there to come out strong in the new Pac-12.
Here’s our analysis of the 2026 Utah State football schedule.
Breaking Down the Utah State 2026 Football Schedule
It’s a bit rough early, but the Aggies get a nice midseason run of three home games in four dates and get the flex – maybe against Boise State – in the end.
Dealing with Troy won’t be a breeze, but it’s a home game, and hosting Washington State and Fresno State helps, but …
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Bad
After starting with Idaho State, the Aggies play at Washington, at Utah, and the Pac-12 opener is at Boise State.
That’s bad, having to make the long trip to San Marcos isn’t fun, and closing the pre-flex portion of the season at San Diego State and then at Oregon State will be a challenge.
Best-Case Scenario
The Aggies have no problems with Troy before diving into the Pac-12 portion of the slate. And then they upset Boise State on the road.
That starts a run where they own home, pull off a win at Texas State, and all of a sudden, they’re unbeaten in the conference going into the nasty finishing kick. After winning two of their last three, they’re off to the Pac-12 Championship.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Worst-Case Scenario
After getting steamrolled by Washington and Utah, the Aggies have a bad game against Troy and lost at Boise State for a 1-4 start.
There are a few wins here and there at home, but they drop the home game to Fresno State, lose all of November when things get tough, and it’s on to 2027.
2026 Utah State Football Schedule
Sept 5 Weber State Sept 12 at Washington Sept 19 at Utah Sept 26 Troy Oct 3 at Boise State Oct 9 or 10 Washington State Oct 17 OPEN DATE Oct 24 at Texas State Oct 31 Colorado State Nov 7 Fresno State Nov 14 at San Diego State Nov 21 at Oregon State Nov 28 Boise State (flex)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Games That Will Decide Utah State’s 2026 Season
1. Washington State, Oct. 9
It’s expected to be a Friday night game, and it’s a must-win as an oasis between road games at Boise State and an off week before traveling to Texas State.
2. Troy, Sept. 26
Yeah, it’s a non-conference game, but coming off the road games at Washington and Utah, and before going to Boise State, there’s a big problem if they don’t pull it off.
3. Fresno State, Nov. 7
At San Diego State, at Oregon State, and, likely, Boise State. Those are the last three games coming after the date with Fresno State.
Cal Baptist visits the Utah Tech Trailblazers after Dominique Daniels Jr. scored 32 points in the Lancers’ 83-66 win against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds.
Cal Baptist Lancers (19-6, 9-3 WAC) at Utah Tech Trailblazers (15-11, 8-4 WAC)
Saint George, Utah; Saturday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Cal Baptist visits Utah Tech after Dominique Daniels Jr. scored 32 points in Cal Baptist’s 83-66 victory over the Southern Utah Thunderbirds.
The Trailblazers are 9-2 on their home court. Utah Tech has a 3-0 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Lancers have gone 9-3 against WAC opponents. Cal Baptist is the WAC leader with 36.4 rebounds per game led by Thomas Ndong averaging 7.2.
Utah Tech makes 47.3% of its shots from the field this season, which is 5.6 percentage points higher than Cal Baptist has allowed to its opponents (41.7%). Cal Baptist averages 5.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 more makes per game than Utah Tech gives up.
The matchup Saturday is the first meeting this season between the two teams in conference play.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ethan Potter is averaging 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds for the Trailblazers. Noah Bolanga is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Daniels is scoring 22.0 points per game and averaging 4.0 rebounds for the Lancers. Martel Williams is averaging 11.5 points and 4.4 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trailblazers: 6-4, averaging 75.0 points, 30.7 rebounds, 14.7 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 75.7 points per game.
Lancers: 9-1, averaging 73.4 points, 37.0 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 5.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 66.2 points.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
SAINT GEORGE, Utah (AP) Chance Trujillo had 14 points in Utah Tech ‘s 81-77 victory against Utah Valley on Thursday night.
Now Playing
Link copied!
SAINT GEORGE, Utah (AP) Chance Trujillo had 14 points in Utah Tech‘s 81-77 victory against Utah Valley on Thursday night.
Trujillo added six rebounds for the Trailblazers (15-11, 8-4 Western Athletic Conference). Jusaun Holt added 13 points while going 4 of 8 and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line. Noah Bolanga went 5 of 10 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points, while adding four steals.
Jackson Holcombe finished with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks for the Wolverines (18-7, 8-4). Utah Valley also got 15 points from Trevan Leonhardt. Isaac Hawkins had 13 points and eight rebounds.
—
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Copyright 2026 STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
After just three games into his Utah Jazz tenure, Jaren Jackson Jr. will now be sidelined for the rest of the 2025-26 season with a shocking injury. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Jackson Jr.
After just three games into his Utah Jazz tenure, Jaren Jackson Jr. will now be sidelined for the rest of the 2025-26 season with a shocking injury.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Jackson Jr. is likely to miss the rest of the season as he undergoes surgery on his left knee to address as PVNS growth.
“BREAKING: Utah Jazz star Jaren Jackson Jr. is likely to miss the remainder of the season to undergo surgery on his left knee to ensure his longterm health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered post trade, league sources tell me.”
BREAKING: Utah Jazz star Jaren Jackson Jr. is likely to miss the remainder of the season to undergo surgery on his left knee to ensure his longterm health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered post trade, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/pHeJT8NphE
The injury comes as an initial shock simply due to Jackson Jr. suiting up in the Jazz’s matchup with the Sacramento Kings just hours before Haynes’ announcement without any issue. He had played 22 minutes to lead the team in scoring with 25 points en route to a Utah win, 93-121.
But now, it appears that his time on the floor with the Jazz, at least for this season, will likely be cut short. The team will look to ensure the long-term health of their latest All-Star addition for the future, and get him ready for his campaign once Utah is officially ready to make a real push towards competitive play.
Jazz Lose Jaren Jackson Jr. for Rest of Season
According to the Jazz, the growth in Jackson Jr.’s knee was discovered in a post-trade physical by the team.
A PVNS growth is defined as a rare, slow-growing, and benign tumor in the joint that leads to pain, stiffness, and joint damage. Following consultation with medical experts, it was decided that surgery and cutting Jackson Jr.’s season short would be the best route to go with long-term implications in mind.
It now makes for the second season-ending injury suffered in the Jazz’s frontcourt, as Jackson Jr. will now pair next to center Walker Kessler on the sidelines, who’s been recovering from his own respective season-ending shoulder injury since November.
Before getting injured, Jackson Jr.’s three games in Utah resulted in a strong start where he averaged 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals a night, shooting 49.0% from the field and 33.3% from three.
Feb 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (20) looks on against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The start certainly provides a good bit of optimism for what the Jazz could have in store with Jackson Jr. and the rest of their budding core heading into this summer, and more so for the 2026-27 season ahead.
But, as for the final 27 games on the schedule, it’ll most likely be embarked on without their two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year on the floor, as he now will look to make a full recovery in preparation for next season.
But there’s still one more test for the Jazz to experiment with their vile ways on, as the divisional rival Portland Trail Blazers are in town. They find themselves in a pickle with a 26-29 record …
I don’t love it, I just don’t MIND it. I only mind if you mess with the game once it starts. They’re bad, they wanted to be bad, they rested guys, they got killed. I don’t enjoy it but I don’t find it to be THROWING a game. https://t.co/a5QvFHvcCN
That was the sort of outrage posted to social media after the Jazz…*checks notes*…won their second game in a row over three matches? No, of course not the lineup — or concept of one — the Sacramento Kings threw into the fire in Utah’s 121-93 victory last night in the Delta Center. But there’s still one more test for the Jazz to experiment with their vile ways on, as the divisional rival Portland Trail Blazers are in town. They find themselves in a pickle with a 26-29 record without a head coach, replaced by interim coach Tiago Splitter. Man, just yesterday, he was hitting hook shots over Chris Bosh in the Finals. However, they remain undefeated over the Jazz in the regular season, winning their last two matches against this squad. But because of peer pressure from basketball minds such as Bobby Marks, the Jazz have been forced back to their winning ways; at least three quarters of competitive basketball is what you can expect to receive due to the league’s intervention to make sure the Jazz aren’t disgracefully resting their good players. Despicable. Vile. Unethical. Anyways, the Pacers just played a lineup of two-way players and guys on 10-day contracts.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
But with both teams coming off a back-to-back one game before the All-Star break, who knows what atrocities you can expect to see on the injury report? Or maybe there won’t be any casualties at all, considering the Jazz are one of the only teams without a single participant during All-Star Weekend in LA. Sadly, no Ace Bailey in Rising Stars, no Cody Williams in the Dunk Contest, or Lauri Markkanen in the main event, because Brandon Ingram was allowed to replace the injured Steph Curry, for reasons that can only be explained by Adam Silver.
You can expect Keyonte George to be out throughout the break due to his lingering ankle issues. I saw a full quarter of the newly established big three, and that was enough excitement to keep me patient until 2027. But even without him, the Jazz have created a revolution. The finger-pointing shall be no more: since Jackson Jr.’s debut, the Jazz have posted the third-best defensive rating in the NBA at 101.6. In context, they’re the worst-rated defensive team all season, with a 120.9 rating. That’s…wow. I need a moment to sit down. I’m a proud parent watching my kid put the square-shaped object into the square hole. I watched them get taken out by the mighty Hornets, getting 150 points getting dropped on their dome, and now I bear witness to them putting a halt to the unstoppable Kings as they score a measly 93.
Okay, maybe the Magic, Heat, and Kings are not top-tier offensive juggernauts. But neither is Portland: they hold the 22nd-best offense and the 19th-best defensive rating. They’re one of those teams trying to cash in, despite one of the most brutal Western Conference skill gaps in existence. There is the idea that a strong, lengthy lineup they pose will be able to outrebound and outwork you, ranking second in the league in offensive rebound percentage at 34.5%. They score 18.4 second-chance points a game due to these opportunities. I love rooting for underdogs like ourselves, but I don’t believe they can escape unscathed and make a deep playoff run in the West. As a mid-level team, scrapping for the playoffs? You have my support, dear friend.
They struggle to find their identity without newly found superstar Deni Avdija — a driving specialist who draws some of the most fouls in the NBA. He attempts around 9.4 free throws in a game, hitting them at an 80.2% clip. Defenses often have to collapse on him, but how will he fare when facing Jaren Jackson Jr. for two and a half quarters? The Jazz can now proudly limit his rim-finishes, making him more reliant on facilitating and perimeter shooting. His assist numbers might rise, but scoring efficiency drops.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Utah will probably want to tug on the reins a little bit. Under no circumstances would anyone want to gift OKC a free lottery pick. The Jazz could probably still circumvent the media’s thunderstorm of anti-tank extremism; they just have to, y’know, not mess with DraftKing’s—I mean, the NBA’s glorious integrity.
Sun Devils had an answer each time the Utes closed the gap in a matchup that could have NCAA bubble implications.
With only three weeks left in the regular season, both Utah and Arizona State went into their matchup Wednesday night desperately needing a win.
The Utes and Sun Devils are both viewed as NCAA bubble teams, and while a loss wouldn’t burst those hopes, a win would bolster that resume in a contest that counted as a Quad 2 game for both schools.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
On this night at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona, it was Arizona State who got a much-needed 71-61 victory.
The Sun Devils had an answer every time Utah, which only led for 32 seconds all night, tried to rally and take the lead, led by the efforts of Gabby Elliott and McKinna Brackens.
The win gives Arizona State (20-6, 7-6 Big 12) a sweep over Utah (16-9, 7-6 Big 12), after defeating the Utes 69-68 at the Huntsman Center in late December.
It’s also the first back-to-back losses for Utah in Big 12 play this season.
Turnovers were a major storyline in the contest, as Utah struggled with giving the ball away, an ongoing issue for the Utes this season.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Utes had seven turnovers in the first half and 12 at halftime before finishing the game with 21. That included two in the final minute and a half, when Utah was trying to rally one last time.
Arizona State cashed those takeaways into 16 points, while Utah scored 11 points off 11 Sun Devil turnovers.
Lani White had five turnovers for Utah, Chyra Evans added four and Reese Ross and Brooke Walker each finished with three.
“It’s continuing, the same people, and it’s really just being able to throw the ball to an open teammate. We’re throwing it out of bounds,” Utah coach Gavin Petersen said said in his postgame interview on ESPN 700 AM. “This was a physical game. That’s what ASU is known for, but we’ve got to do a better job in that regard of taking care of the basketball.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“Every team we play from here on out is going to pressure us. We work on it in practice against guys, our Red Army practice squad, and we do fine. And then the game lights come on and we forget everything regarding fundamentals.”
Despite never leading over the final three and a half quarters, the Utes managed to stick around thanks to high-scoring games from White (19 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal) and Maty Wilke (17 points, four rebounds, three steals, two assists, one block).
After going into halftime trailing by three, Utah had a chance to take the lead in the third quarter.
First, the Utes tied the game at 39-39 on an LA Sneed 3. A little over a minute of game time later, Evelina Otto scored off an Arizona State turnover to make it a 42-41 game.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Utah came up with a stop, but White couldn’t hit a 3-point attempt that would have given the Utes their first lead since 9-8.
Then, on the Sun Devils’ next possession, Last-Tear Poa raced in for an offensive rebound, then kicked out to Elliott, who nailed a 3-pointer to make it 45-41.
While both teams finished with 11 second-chance points, that 3 loomed large as a major pivot point for the Sun Devils.
Eventually, Arizona State pushed its lead to 54-43 in the early moments of the fourth quarter, only for Utah to go on a 7-0 run to make it a 54-50 game with 7:19 to play.
That was the last time the Utes got as close as within four, though, as Martina Fantini stopped the run with a shot that bounced around the rim before falling in, then Elliott scored six straight points for the Sun Devils as they maintained a safe lead.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Elliott had 19 points, five rebounds, four steals and two assists to pace Arizona State, while Brackens added 14 points, six assists, three blocks and two rebounds.
Though Utah out-rebounded Arizona State 39-25, the Sun Devils shot five more field goals — thanks to the turnover differential — and were 45.5% from the floor, compared to Utah’s 38%.
Arizona State was also more efficient from 3-point range, making 7 of 13, while the Utes were 6 of 25.
“Credit to them. We had them working all game for the most part, deep into the shot clock on the defensive end. Then it was one moment of just relaxation, and you have Elliott being able to capitalize on that, Brackens being able to capitalize,” Petersen said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“They made some tough shots, and we got to do a better job of closing possessions. I thought we relaxed as well on some O-board opportunities, especially early in that third quarter, when we started to get some energy and momentum going. Those things, especially when you’re on the road, you cannot do so. We’ve got to be able to close out those type of games.”
With the loss, Utah falls to 2-8 in Quad 2 games, though it is buoyed by a 2-1 record against Quad 1 opponents.
Arizona State, meanwhile, moved to 7-1 against Quad 2 opponents, along with an 0-3 mark in Quad 1 games.
The Utes will return Saturday to face Cincinnati (5 p.m. MST, ESPN+) in a game where the program’s all-time winningest head coach, Elaine Elliott, will be honored at halftime.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
“You know the tradition, rich program we have here at Utah. It wasn’t built overnight. Elaine Elliott is the all-time winningest coach in program history. This is a great honor that she is receiving,” Petersen said.
“… We have three more games at home, and we need as much support to get us over that hump, and we’re right there. We just need a little bit more help.”
Prosecutors in Utah have filed a first-degree felony rape charge against Brigham Young University standout wide receiver Parker Kingston, officials said Wednesday. Kingston, 21, is being held without …
Prosecutors in Utah have filed a first-degree felony rape charge against Brigham Young University standout wide receiver Parker Kingston, officials said Wednesday.
Kingston, 21, is being held without bail in St. George, a city near Arizona, Washington County prosecutors said. His initial appearance in court is scheduled for Friday.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The investigation began last February, prosecutors said in a news release. A woman who was 20 years old at the time told officers at a St. George hospital that Kingston assaulted her on Feb. 23, 2025, prosecutors said. Police gathered digital and forensic evidence and interviewed the parties involved and other witnesses, prosecutors said.
It was not clear if Kingston had an attorney. He didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment. A phone message left for his family was not immediately returned.
BYU said in a statement that it takes any allegation very seriously, and will cooperate with law enforcement. It said it would not be able to comment further due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students.
Kingston had a team-leading 67 receptions and 928 yards with five TD catches last season. He also rushed for 199 yards on 25 carries with a score, and returned 17 punts for 230 yards and a TD.
