By Bill Oram

| The Salt Lake Tribune

The evolving, revolving-door Utes needed to find a new scoring leader after point guard Josh Watkins was dismissed from the team last week.

In Utah’s 64-43 win over Arizona State on Saturday, the season’s high point, guard Cedric Martin tied a career high with five made 3-pointers and led the Utes (5-14, 2-5) with 17 points.

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But is that consistent? Martin is a 40 percent 3-point shooter, but against the Sun Devils shot much better than that, making 5 of 9.

"I just need to become more versatile," Martin said, "because if you look at my stat sheets it’s all shooting, not really to the basket, and that’s my downfall."

If 3-pointers aren’t falling for the Utes, they could be in trouble this week at UCLA (10-9, 3-4) and USC (5-15, 0-7).

Their two best perimeter threats are Martin and guard Chris Hines, who rely almost exclusively on 3-pointers to get their points. With Watkins gone, Utah needs them. "Collectively there’s going to be more shots and more scoring opportunities," coach Larry Krystkowiak said.

Storey’s next chapter

Kareem Storey’s freshman year took an unexpected twist when the point guard was inserted into the starting lineup last week to replace Watkins.

If the Baltimore native was nervous or uncomfortable, he didn’t show it, averaging 11 points and six assists in two starts last week.

Against ASU, Storey committed just one turnover, something Watkins never did.

"I’m just absorbing everything," Storey said, "getting my experience and trying to get better."

While Storey has proved adept at getting to the rim and converting hard-earned layups, he is not a first offensive option. He struggles from 3-point range and is not always a savvy passer.

"From a coaching perspective, I’m not satisfied," Krystkowiak said. "I don’t think he’s played that well. I’m not trying to be mean, but I’m not here to pat guys on the butt."

Storey had the benefit Saturday of playing against the Sun Devils’ zone defense, Krystkowiak said, because a zone doesn’t put as much pressure on the ball.

boram@sltrib.comTwitter: @oramb