What a week it was for Utah coach Larry Krystowiak. He saw his Runnin’ Utes (9-3) celebrate a major upset victory over No. 6 Kentucky (8-3), then promptly get shut down by No. 20 San Diego State (12-0).
In a more normal year of college basketball (if such a thing exists), we might say that this week was an anomaly, an abnormality. This year, however, seems to be making these strange occurrences normal, for the Runnin’ Utes as much as everyone else. Only a dozen or so games into the season and we have seen five different AP No. 1 teams fall, as well as the rise of some of the most confusing unbeaten teams ever (Liberty, really?). This stretch for Utah has been just another up-and-down week in their season thus far. I’m going to be breaking down this last week for the Utes, and what comes next after the new year.
Wednesday, Dec. 18th, Las Vegas (W, 69-66)
The Utes’ week began with the matchup against No. 6 Kentucky at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Kentucky entered the game as 10.5 point favorites over Utah, something which was to be expected, especially because the Wildcats were coming off of six-game winning streak.
Utah was able to pull off the upset partly due to their impressive shooting. The team shot 54% from the field, and a scorching 53% from three-point range. Despite taking only 42 shots in comparison to Kentucky’s 63, the Utes were able to hold a lead for the majority of the game.
Utah sophomore guard Timmy Allen led both teams in scoring, dropping 25 points on 8/15 shooting and going 9-for-12 from the free throw line. Allen also grabbed more rebounds than any other Ute, snagging nine boards while adding four assists.
Saturday, Dec. 21st, Los Angeles (L, 52-80)
This game did not go as well as the Runnin’ Utes hoped for. Utah knew San Diego State was going to be a very tough team, but they also knew that Kentucky was going to be a tough team. SDSU came into the game scorching hot, having just crushed the San Diego Christian Hawks 92-48 to put their streak at 11 consecutive wins.
The Runnin’ Utes, however, had a much better chance than San Diego Christian to upset the Aztecs. It wasn’t a good chance, but it was a better one. The game was even relatively close at halftime – the Aztecs led by 10 and looked possibly vulnerable. In the second half, however, SDSU put their foot on the gas. The Aztecs, who scored just 29 points in the opening half, came out and lit up the Utah defense, scoring an impressive 51 in the second (the Utes scored 52 in the entirety of the game).
SDSU dominated Utah on the boards, something that has been an issue for the Utes in its losses. The Aztecs managed to grab 37 total rebounds, including 12 offensive rebounds, while the Runnin’ Utes could only muster up 29 total boards. Utah’s game is slower paced, trying to make every possession count; if they get out-rebounded or allow multiple second chance opportunities they struggle mightily, needing every chance they can get to score.
What now?
The Runnin’ Utes might have been able to crack the AP Top 25 with the win over Kentucky, but a massive loss to the Aztecs dashed any chances of that. They now hold a record of 9-3 – the three losses coming to Coastal Carolina, Tulane and SDSU.
Utah will return to action on January 2 to square off against Oregon State (9-2) at home in their Pac-12 opener. The Utes will then look to defend their home court when they face No. 6 Oregon (10-2). These games should increase the already growing interest around the state of PAC-12 basketball and will be a good test to see where Utah ranks in its conference.
