SALT LAKE CITY—Jakob Poeltl put on a big man’s clinic while the Utah Utes demolished the last-place Washington State Cougars, 88-47. The Utes (19-7, 8-5 Pac-12) dominated inside, scoring 50 points in the paint.
The Cougars (9-16, 1-12 Pac-12) had no answer in either half down low for the Utes. Utah’s first points outside the paint or free throw line came with just 5:18 left in first half via a Brekkott Chapman three, which made the score 31-14 in favor of the Utes.
Poeltl scored his tenth double-double of the season with 25 points and 10 rebounds before checking out of the game with 13:21 still left in the game.
The Utes went on separate 21-7 and 17-7 runs in the first half, lasting 10:04 and 4:19, respectively. The second half started with a 23-7 run for Utah before Poeltl and most of the starters checked out.
One of the conference’s top players, WSU’s Josh Hawkinson, was held to just four points, all in the second half. Chapman said one of his and Kyle Kuzma’s jobs was to limit his touches. Grinning, he said he did take notice that Hawkinson had no points at halftime. “I was pretty excited about that.”
Poeltl, Jordan Loveridge, Chapman, and Kuzma all scored in double-digits. Every Ute on the active roster outside of Lorenzo Bonam scored in the game, including six points from scout teamer Austin Montgomery.
Utah will now head to Los Angeles to face UCLA on Thursday and USC on Sunday. Tipoff between the Utes and Bruins will be at 7:00 on ESPN700, with pregame starting at 5:00.
Larry Krystkowiak Postgame:
Jordan Loveridge and Brekkott Chapman Postgame:
