Rylan Jones Carries Utah Past Washington State For Second Straight Win

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah men’s basketball team completed the sweep over the Washington schools with a 76-64 win over Washington State at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

Rylan Jones nearly reached his career high, scoring 24 points to lead the Utes. He scored 18 points in the second half, including his two 3-pointers.

It’s Utah’s second straight win after an emotional comeback win over Washington on Thursday night.

Also, Utah won their 12th straight game over Washington State.

Let's Light The U #UteNation‼️ #GoUtes🏀🔴 #Pac12Hoops pic.twitter.com/oNiuOSN2Wm

— Utah Basketball🏀 (@UtahMBB) January 26, 2020

Supporting Cast

Jones wasn’t the only player to have an impact on the win for the Utes. Mikael Jantunen recorded 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while shooting 7-9 from the field. He was very effective in the paint and had many of his shots coming close to the basket.

A reverse layup by @MikaelJantunen🇫🇮. #Utes tied it up 19-19 with 7:21 left in the 1st half. #GoUtes🏀🔴 #Pac12Hoops pic.twitter.com/MqAXC40I6c

— Utah Basketball🏀 (@UtahMBB) January 26, 2020

Branden Carlson scored in double figures for the third time this season, finishing with 12 points on a perfect 4-4 shooting from the floor.

🔨🔨🔨 @ballerbranden35

📺@Pac12Network#GoUtes🏀🔴 pic.twitter.com/EjmDrlncTK

— Utah Basketball🏀 (@UtahMBB) January 26, 2020

Timmy Allen contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Utes had 22 points off the bench, while Washington State only had 7 points from their second unit.

In the last 5 games leading up to the Washington State contest, Utah shot under 40 percent in four of the five games. The Utes were much more effective against Wazzu, shooting 63 percent from the floor, 40 percent from beyond the arc and went 14-19 from the free throw line.

Utah kept Washington State off the line as the Cougars shot just five free throws, making just two.

Game Of Runs

The game was filled with runs, but the Utes made one last run to put Washington State away. Utah ended the first half with a 18-2 run and had a 35-25 lead. During that run, Washington State was scoreless for 4:38.

At the start of the second half, the Cougars went on a 15-3 run over the first 4:22 of the half and had a 43-42 lead. But, Utah would have an answer over a 4 minute stretch as they went on a 14-3 run of their own to take a 10-point lead with under 9 minutes remaining.

Washington State came up short of a comeback when their best player C.J. Elleby fouled out, finishing with 12 points. The Cougars were led by Isaac Bonton with 21 points and 4 assists. As a team, they shot 51 percent from the field and 58 percent from downtown.

The Utes improved their record to 12-7 overall and 3-4 in Pac-12 play. They will be back out on the road to face the USC Trojans on Thursday night. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on FS1.

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