Utah Utes Triumph Over Utah Tech in Commanding 84-53 Victory
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah men’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance at the Huntsman Center on Friday, defeating Utah Tech 84-53 in a highly anticipated matchup between the neighboring schools. This game marked only the third meeting between the two teams, and the Utes showcased their athletic prowess throughout.
Despite a shaky start that saw Utah briefly trail 11-10, the Utes rebounded with impressive resolve. Following early turnovers and missed opportunities, Utah launched a decisive 9-0 run, extending their lead with an 18-7 spurt to end the first half at 42-26. Key to this surge was forward Keanu Dawes, who scored nine consecutive points during a critical stretch, quelling any hopes of an upset by the Trailblazers.
Utilizing their length and athleticism, the Utes capitalized on their size advantage, racking up 44 points in the paint and dominating the boards 50-36. Dawes finished the game with 14 points and nine rebounds, nearly achieving a double-double. Gabe Madsen led the scoring with 19 points, rebounding from a previous lackluster performance against Mississippi State, while Ezra Ausar contributed eight points and six rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Utes (4-1) will remain at home next week for the Mountain to Sea Showcase, facing Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday at 7 p.m. MST and Eastern Washington on Saturday at 3 p.m. MST. Fans can catch the games streamed on ESPN+ or listen on 700 AM.
The victory serves as a strong indicator of Utah’s potential this season, as they continue to build momentum amidst early season challenges.
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Photo credit sports.yahoo.com
