Grittiness, Toughness Leads Utah To 73-72 Win Over BYU
Jan 18, 2025, 11:51 PM | Updated: Jan 20, 2025, 2:50 pm
SALT LAKE CITY—In the 265th edition of the Utah-BYU rivalry game, the two programs provided yet another fantastic contest. It went 45 minutes tonight, with the Utes outlasting the Cougs, 73-72, and picking up their third consecutive Big 12 victory.
RED. DUBS‼️‼️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/W0KLEHBPEL
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) January 19, 2025
Ezra Ausar was truly spectacular in this one. He finished with 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting, to go along with 6 rebounds. He spearheaded Utah’s surge to begin the second half, when he contributed to 16 of 20 of Utah’s points.
Lawson Lovering was nearly as impactful for Utah as well. He finished the game with 13 points and 7 rebounds, to go along 4 assists but really mucked it up inside on the defensive end.
This game was a back-and-forth battle between two really competitive rivals. The game went into overtime and the tug-of-war continued. Ultimately, the difference came down to a pair of Hunter Erickson free throws that gave Utah a one-point lead.
The Utes showed a lot of grittiness in this one but there’s plenty to take away for Utah in this one.
Ezra Ausar’s special performance
He was truly dynamic in the second half of this one for Utah. He scored 14 himself and assisted Caleb Lohner for a layup in Utah’s 18-10 run to start the latter frame. He not only played with more assertiveness, but Coach Smith also made some adjustments to their offensive actions, which led to cleaner looks inside.
On the night, he finished with 26 points and 6 rebounds. BYU did not have many answers for him or Utah’s actions to get him the ball. The interior passing was another positive for Utah tonight and Ausar was on the finishing end of most of those passes.
Just imposing his will, @ezraausar is tonight's Player of the Game‼️
26 pts
6 reb
2 ast#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/hLRpO5X1wT— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) January 19, 2025
In the post-game availability, it was clear that this performance meant a lot more to Ausar, Smith, and his teammates. There was visible emotion from Ausar and Smith, and coach shared that Ausar has been through some personal difficulties of late. His performance was special and the emotional value his outing had to this team is a big bright spot.
Improved defensive pressure
Utah has really leveled up on the defensive end of the floor after the first three Big 12 games. The Utes had a tough test against a potent BYU offensive attack.
However, Utah’s defense limited the Cougars to 38.5% shooting overall. The Utes worked hard to contest just about every shot attempt tonight, particularly inside. BYU finished the game 10-of-27 on(shots in the paint at the rim. Lawson Lovering played a big role in the defensive success inside.
Maybe the biggest difference was Utah’s perimeter defense. The Cougars only connected on 8-of-30 from 3-point range, as Utah’s perimeter defenders worked hard to take away clean looks.
BYU’s Egor Demin, Richie Saunders, Trevin Knell, Dawson Baker, and Dallin Hall combined to shoot 16-of-48 from the field and just 41 points.
The improved defensive effort has been the biggest difference for Utah over the last three games. The Utes are playing with a different level of intensity on that end of the floor and it has to continue moving forward.
This feels like a big win, bigger than you probably think
This was a big win for the Utes. Knocking off rival BYU is always a positive for Utah, and this was a costly loss for the Cougars, as all of them will be. The Utes earned their third straight Big 12 victory, adding to the win’s significance.
However, this one feels even bigger than that. This feels like a galvanizing win for Craig Smith and the program. It’s hard to quantify exactly what it is, but this just feels like the sort of win that can pay dividends down the road.
Utah has had these types of wins in recent years but could not capitalize on the momentum gained. To do that this season, Utah must continue to stay competitive in the Big 12 and earn some additional significant victories.
The unsung heroes of tonight
At first glance at the box score, it would appear Jake Wahlin and Keanu Dawes didn’t have great nights. Wahlin finished with just 2 points, while Dawes finished with 5 of his own.
However, these two provided a ton of value on the defensive end for Utah tonight. Wahlin was credited with 8 defensive stops and a defensive rating of 88.8, while Dawes finished with the lowest rating at 85.9 and three stops of his own.
The versatility of these two allowed them to match up with a number of different BYU players. They took turns on Egor Demin, Richie Saunders, Trevin Knell, Dawson Baker, and Dallin Hall. They also fought inside against Keba Keita and Mawot Mag to help on the boards. Their size, length, and athleticism allowed them to contribute in a big way on the defensive end.
Hunter Erickson was the big man down the stretch. He knocked down a crucial 3-pointer to tie the game up at 70-70. Then he connected on 3-of-4 free throws, which proved to be the difference for Utah. More impressively, on his first set of free throws, Erickson airballed the second. He went back to the line and responded confidently by sinking both free throws to give Utah the lead and win.
The Huntsman crowd
Tonight was special. The Huntsman Center was packed to the brim for the first time in a long time. The student section was full well before tip-off and they were engaged throughout the entire game.
The atmosphere clearly made a difference for players, as fans from both sides of the rivalry fueled the intensity on the floor. There was rarely a dull moment in this one, as the two teams competed at a really high level.
Coach Smith, Ausar, Erickson, and Lovering all made it a point to thank the fans and credit them for their contributions to this game. Fans impact winning and Utah fans clearly did that tonight.
HUGE thanks to the MUSS, and all of the Ute fans who came out to tonight's game‼️
What a thriller, and you made it an incredible atmosphere‼️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/I3BitxTbaD
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) January 19, 2025
Utah at the free throw line
The free throw line has been the biggest roller coaster ride of the season for Utah. Tonight was no different, as they went to the line 32 times. That resulted in a free throw rate of 57.1%, but they converted just 53.1% (17) of those 32 attempts.
Obviously, Utah has to improve their free throw shooting. If they connect on a few more in this one, perhaps the game never goes to overtime. Free throw shooting may have already cost them a game this season, but it will certainly cost them another if they don’t address it.
However, Utah’s 57.1% free throw rate was huge. Again, this speaks to Utah’s shift in focus, both schematically and mentally. This team is working to get shots inside, playing aggressively, and not only seeking contact but also playing through it better.
As long as Utah continues to work with this focus, getting to the free throw line will be a huge factor in their success.
Utah is 3-3 in Big 12 play
After starting 0-3, Utah has won three straight and is tied for eighth in the conference with UCF. The Utes have clearly learned valuable lessons from those opening contests and have built positive habits over the last three games.
This is significant for a team that only became completely whole last month, and they have been figuring things out on the fly. Although there will be tougher tests ahead, Utah has shown that they are here to compete in the Big 12.
Utah isn’t playing particularly clean basketball, either; this squad still has a lot to address. Yet, Utah is clearly trending positively with its last three results and, more importantly, the process of earning those results.
