The #13 Utah Utes took on the #10 Kansas Jayhawks in Kansas City in one of the biggest non-conference tests in recent Utes history.
Utah jumped out to an early lead, getting up by as much as 12-6 over a frustrated and sloppy Jayhawk squad. Kansas made two three-pointers to tie the game at 12. Utah retook the lead at 17-16, and then the wheels fell off. Utah scored only 4 points in the remaining 10:04, including a brilliant slam dunk by Delon Wright just before halftime. Utah trailed at the break, 39-21.
At halftime, Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak told his team to take the 2nd half two points at a time. Showing toughness and poise in front of a hostile crowd, the Utes did just that. Shots finally found the net for the Utes and, combined with stifling defense, the Utes stormed back.
Utah took the lead back 55-53 with 4:39 remaining in the game. Kansas tied the game again, took the lead following a Utah turnover, and didn’t look back. Utah tried to inch back via the foul game, but ended up on the losing side of the battle against the Big XII power.
Delon Wright stole the show again, ending up with 23 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. The Utes finished shooting 38.9% from the field and 14-17 from the free throw line.
Next up for the Utes will be the UNLV Rebels from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. That game will tip off at 9:30MT, just hours after the football team competes in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Check out game highlights and postgame interviews with Larry Krystkowiak and Brandon Taylor at http://espn700sports.com/category/espn700-interviews/
