Gabe Madsen Leads Utah Basketball To 98-63 Win Over Central Arkansas
Nov 7, 2024, 10:36 PM | Updated: 11:00 pm
Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) gets ready to light up the U after Utah beat Eastern Washington University in a men’s basketball game at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. (Photo Cred: Kristen Murphey, Deseret News)
(Photo Cred: Kristen Murphey, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Another quality shooting performance fueled the Runnin’ Utes to their 98-63 win over Central Arkansas.
Gabe Madsen led the way for Utah and became the newest member of Utah’s 1000-point club tonight as well. Utah also secured program win No. 1,900 tonight.
Tonight's Final‼️
We will see you all again here at the Huntsman on November 12th! pic.twitter.com/qDykbj2Kto
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 8, 2024
Utah’s Strong 1st Half
The Utes started a little slow with only 8 points through the first five minutes. Then they got going with an 11-3 run between the first and second media breaks. That stretched into a longer run that included 4-of-6 3-point makes over a three-minute stretch.
The defense was particularly effective in the first half. The Utes limited the Bears to just 18 points on 22.6% shooting, while also forcing 9 turnovers. Utah also did a much better job on the boards, which was an issue on Monday night.
They went into the locker room with a +10 advantage on the boards, 12 assists on 15 field goals, and 45-18 advantage.
More Good Ball In 2nd Half
After halftime, Utah eventually put together a 19-2 run over a four-minute span. The run included five 3-point makes, two from Gabe, one from Mason, Sharavjamts, and Wahlin. That extended their lead to 69-28 with 11:59 left in the half.
The Utes continued to work for quality looks the rest of the way. That came inside the paint and from the perimeter. For most of the second half, Utah converted over 55% from the field and over 45% from 3-point range. Utah finished 19-of-50 from 3-point range, while also generating 23 assists on 30 field goals.
The rest of the way, Utah’s effort was balanced and they secured the 98-63 win. Here are some takeaways from the game.
Gabe Madsen, A 1000 Point Scorer
A big-time accomplishment for Utah’s senior guard. Madsen has been vital to Utah’s success over the last three seasons. Joining the 1000-point club in Utah is quite an honor.
Madsen has worked hard on his game. He’s been a consistent production source as he battled the ups and downs over the years. He’ll be absolutely vital to Utah’s chances this season and he seems to have embraced the role of leader with this squad.
He finished the game with 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting, 6-of-13 from deep, and added 4 rebounds as well.
Madsen Family on hand for the special moment! ♥️ pic.twitter.com/Y79NV8Wgvl
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 8, 2024
Mike Sharavjamts Is Entertaining
It was another productive outing for the jumbo point guard. He finished the night with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Sharavjamts just has a tremendous feel for the game and scoring opportunities for his teammates. He set up a few buckets with some fantastic passes, including another no-look pass that set up a layup.
He finished the game 4-of-12 from the field and 3-of-10 from 3-point range, which obviously needs improvement. However, looking for his own scoring production at a more aggressive rate is a big key to his development.
Ezra Ausar Improved Free Throw Shooting
Ausar was riddled with foul trouble that impacted his playing time but he finished 13 points and 3 rebounds. Two games into the season and it’s clear that Ausar is going to make a living at the free throw line.
After converting 7-of-12 on Monday night, including a 1-of-6 start, Ausar went 7-of-8 tonight, with his only miss coming on his seventh attempt. Utah was much better overall from the line; they finished 19-of-23 from the charity stripe.
He’s been a tough matchup, thanks to his size, strength, skill, and athleticism. He’s effective in the post and can create off-the-bounce as well.
