The University of Utah Runnin Utes played in the night cap at the MGM Grand Garden Arena ranked #14 in the country coming off a loss to Kansas and playing just hours after the Football team picked up a big 45-10 win over Colorado State. This was another “Neutral” site game as they participated in the MGM Showcase. UNLV came in with the same record as the Utes, 7-2. Their two losses coming against Stanford and Arizona State. This Rebels team is very young and athletic and loves to run the floor. The Utes struggled in the first half and taking 24-23 lead into the locker room at the half. Jakob Poeltl was held all night and spent most of the game on the bench with foul trouble. The second half belonged to Delon Wright who took over and found his touch leading the Utes to a 59-46 win over UNLV in Las Vegas. The Utes were led by Delon Wright with 17 points, 4 assists and 4 steals. Brandon Taylor added 16 points including 8 of the first 11 points for Utah to start the game. Although Poeltl only played limited minutes due to foul trouble, he managed to add 8 points to the Utes win.
The Utes improve to 8-2 on the season and will have 2 more non-conference games before heading into Pac-12 play. Their next game will be on Tuesday, December 23rd as they welcome in South Dakota State to the Huntsman Center. The Jackrabbits will come in with a 9-3 record coming off a 68-65 win over Utah State on Saturday. The Utes and Jackrabbits will tip off at 7 pm and of course you can listen to that game on ESPN 700. For all the postgame interviews from this game, be sure to check out the “Interviews” section of the site.
