Runnin’ Utes Struggle In Second Half, Fall At Oregon

SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah men’s basketball team struggled in the second half at fell on the road to the Oregon Ducks.

The Ducks hosted the Utes on Saturday, January 1.

Oregon defeated Utah, 79-66

Final from Matthew Knight Arena… pic.twitter.com/U7oKMXYkUC

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) January 2, 2022

The Utes got off to a nice start in Eugene and owned an early 10-4 lead seven minutes into the contest. After some back-and-forth basketball, Utah took a six-point lead into the halftime break.

Jenkins with the hustle back leads to this 🔨 from @ballerbranden35!!

📺 https://t.co/7quOsTHv0e#GoUtes | #Pac12MBB pic.twitter.com/lxtb8dPRFO

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) January 2, 2022

In the second half, the Utes struggled on defense and failed to keep pace as the Ducks forced a comeback.

Oregon outscored Utah by 19 points over the final 20 minutes of game time and captured a win.

STEF with the big 3️⃣!

📺 https://t.co/7quOsTHv0e#GoUtes | #Pac12MBB pic.twitter.com/k26gFE0eLE

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) January 2, 2022

The loss was the second in a row for the Utes.

Utah finished the game shooting 41.1 percent overall and 29.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Three Utes reached double figures in scoring. Branden Carlson led Utah with 15 points.

.@ballerbranden35 with the 2 handed jam and then 🚫 on the other end!

📺 https://t.co/7quOsTHv0e#GoUtes | #Pac12MBB pic.twitter.com/NnmfKq3LSZ

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) January 2, 2022

With the loss, the Utes fell to 8-6 this season, including 1-3 in Pac-12 Conference action.

Utah’s next game is at home against the Washington Huskies on Thursday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m. (MDT). The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.

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