Utah Utes Dominate Utah Tech with 84-53 Victory
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah men’s basketball team secured its fourth win of the season with a decisive 84-53 triumph over Utah Tech on Friday night at the Huntsman Center. The victory maintains Utah’s perfect home game record this season, bringing their overall record to 4-1.
While the Runnin’ Utes showcased dominant stretches, Coach Craig Smith noted areas for improvement, acknowledging some lapses in team performance despite the resounding win. Smith praised the team’s defensive efforts, which held Utah Tech to just 30.3% shooting, the lowest against any opponent this season. "I was happy with the 31-point win… we had nine ‘kills,’ or three consecutive stops, which was really good," Smith said.
With three players sidelined due to injuries, adjustments have been vital. Smith stated, "We’re trying to cover up mistakes… but the guys are growing and learning." Utah’s roster features nine newcomers, hinting at ongoing chemistry development on the court.
Key players contributed significantly, with fifth-year senior guard Gabe Madsen leading the scoring with 19 points. He displayed an aggressive playing style that invigorated the crowd, particularly with a stunning transition layup. Keanu Dawes had a strong performance with 14 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore Miro Little shone with team-highs of 11 rebounds and eight assists.
Utah, capitalizing on their physical presence, controlled the paint with a 44-24 points advantage and out-rebounded Utah Tech 51-36. The team looks ahead to the upcoming Mountain to Sea Showcase, aiming for continued success against Mississippi Valley State and Eastern Washington. Coach Smith remains optimistic about the potential return of injured players, which could bolster the Utes further in the season.
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