CINCINNATI, OH – The Runnin’ Utes faced their third tough challenge of the season but the first one on the road, facing 13th ranked Xavier. Utah started the game with some good defense and scoring but failed to block out the Musketeers on the glass. With second chance points and three-point shooting, the Utes trailed by as much as 15 in the opening half of play, but was able to make a couple of baskets before going to the locker room down by 11, 40-29.
Once the Utes, returned to action in the second half, they climbed back in the game to pull within four before Xavier brought the lead out to double digits. The game never got closer than four and Xavier’s lead never went higher than 12. Utah just didn’t have enough in the tank and fell to the Musketeers 77-69.
Utah was led in scoring by true freshman Devon Daniels with 19-points on 8-11 shooting from the field. Lorenzo Bonam chipped in 18 and JUCO transfer JoJo Zamora added 12-points off the bench. Kyle Kuzma scored 11-points and pulled down 10-rebounds.
Xavier was led by Trevon Bluiett (6-11 FG) and J.P. Macura (5-7 3-PT) with 18-points apiece. RaShid Gaston added 11-points and 14-rebounds.
Here are the first half highlights on ESPN 700:
Second half highlights:
Utah shot 52% from the field (28-54), 26% from downtown (5-19) and 66% from the free-throw-line (8-12).
Xavier shot 46% from the field (27-58), 47% from the three-point-line (8-17) and 71% from the charity stripe (15-21).
Utah was out-rebounded 33-29, and turned the ball over six more times than Xavier (14-8).
Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak postgame:
Devon Daniels postgame:
The Utes will next be in action on Saturday, December 17th against Prairie View A&M at 4 pm.
