CORVALLIS, Oreg.—It seemed like the strangest, yet most perfect ending. Oregon State’s Jarmal Reid, in his first game back off a four-game suspension received after tripping official Tommy Nunez in Salt Lake City, fouled Utah’s Jordan Loveridge with 2.2 seconds remaining in the game, surrendering the Beavers’ 68-67 lead.
Loveridge hit all three free throws, seemingly opening an escape hatch for the Utes after a frustrating ending to the second half.
But the elation wasn’t Utah’s to be had. On a last-second, half-court desperation shot by Stephen Thompson, Jr., Utah’s Brandon Taylor committed a foul, allowing Thompson to shoot three free throws. Thompson made all three, giving the Beavers revenge against the Utes with a final score of 71-69.
Immediately after giving Utah (17-6, 6-4 Pac-12) their largest lead of ten points, Jakob Poeltl picked up his fourth foul and checked out with 7:24 to play. Turnovers and quick missed shots by the Utes allowed the Beavers (13-8, 4-6 Pac-12) to cut Utah’s lead to three points within forty seconds.
Chris Reyes extinguished momentum with bonus free throws to stop the bleeding for Utah. To keep Oregon State from threatening again, head coach Larry Krystkowiak opted to sub in Poeltl with five minutes left in the game. But Utah collapsed, missed six of their next seven field goals and turned over the ball four consecutive times, surrendering the lead to the Beavers with 1:38 to play.
Brandon Taylor hit a three-pointer after missing badly all night to tie the game back up at 66, but Reid found an easy layup inside to give the Beavers the lead before Loveridge’s three free throws.
Both teams started the game shooting over 60% from the floor, reaching a 27-27 tie with 8:32 to play. Kyle Kuzma cruised in the first half, starting 6-of-8 shooting for 12 points. Poeltl likewise netted double digits in the first half with ten points.
Poeltl led the effort for the Utes early in the second half with seven quick points despite two early fouls. The Utes duplicated their early first half shooting in the second half, starting 6-8 from the floor before the wheels came off the wagon.
The Utes will now head to Eugene, Oregon to face the Ducks on Sunday. Tipoff will be at 2:00 with pregame starting at noon on ESPN 700.
Larry Krystkowiak Postgame:
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