Carson scores 23, Sun Devils hold off Utah 79-75

Arizona State's Jordan Bachynski (13) battles for a loose ball with Utah's Dallin Bachynski, back, as Utah's Dakarai Tucker (14) looks on during the first half of an NCAA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (The Associated Press)

Utah's Jordan Loveridge (21) puts up a shot over Arizona State's Bo Barnes (4) during the first half of an NCAA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (The Associated Press)

TEMPE, Ariz. – Jahii Carson scored 23 points, eight in a decisive five-minute span late in the game, as Arizona State held on to beat Utah 79-75 on Thursday night.

Jonathan Gilling added 13 points, including 3 of 3 3-pointers, a critical one coming with 1:40 to play for the Sun Devils (14-5, 3-3 Pac-12).

Jordan Bachynski had 11 points and 12 rebounds for Arizona State.

Utah (14-5, 3-4) led by as many as nine in the first half and was up 41-37 at the break.

Shaquielle McKissic added 11 points for Arizona State, which had lost two in a row.