Injuries, Second Chance Points Doom Utah Basketball Against Washington State
Jan 24, 2024, 10:02 PM | Updated: Jan 25, 2024, 10:43 am
PULLMAN, WA – The Runnin’ Utes are back on the road taking on the Washington schools after spending last weekend at home against the Oregon schools.
Utah had a wildly successful two days hosting the Beavers and Ducks but are now tasked with trying to make something happen on the road in conference play- something that has so far eluded them.
The Utes looked shellshocked toward the end of the half after point guard Deivon Smith left the game with what looked like an ankle injury. Utah did recover their composure to get within three of Washington State, 33-30 as time expired on the first half.
Utah goes into the half down by three to Wazzu, 33-30 after Keba Keita hits a jumper as time expires.#Utes
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) January 25, 2024
Utah battled hard to stay in the game, but ultimately injuries and second-chance points for Washington State doomed them, 79-57, on the road.
Runnin’ Utes can’t come up with the win on the road again. Come up short to Washington State 79-57.#Utes
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) January 25, 2024
Look Ahead At Utah’s Schedule
The Utes will continue their PNW road tour against Washington on Saturday, January 27 at 8:00 pm MT. That game will air on ESPN2.
Starting Five For Runnin’ Utes Vs. Washington State
Consistency. Same starting five for the fifth-straight game.
Jones closing in on 900 career points.#GoCougs // #CVE pic.twitter.com/tYSGxsDfVK
— Washington State Men’s Basketball (@WSUCougarsMBB) January 25, 2024
Tonight’s Starters‼️ pic.twitter.com/IsY5QxHAGb
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) January 25, 2024
Runnin’ Utes Stats Leaders Against Washington State
- Scoring Leader: Branden Carlson – 20 points
- Rebound Leader: Keba Keita – 9 rebounds
- Assists Leader: Deivon Smith, Hunter Erickson, Gabe Madsen – 3 assists
Carlson went 9-17 from the paint, and 2-4 from the three to earn his team high 20 points. Carlson also added three rebounds, one assist, and one block.
Gabe Madsen came in second in scoring for the Utes with 14 points while being in a three-way tie for assists with three.
Keba Keita came in third in points with 10 while leading the team in rebounds with nine and added two blocks and two steals.
Noteworthy Utah Men’s Basketball Team Stats Against The Cougars
The Utes shot 42% from the field, 18% from the three and 43% at the line against the Cougars.
Utah was outrebounded by Washington State 40-29 and came up wildly short in second chance point 21-4.
Michelle Bodkin is the Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of both the Crimson Corner Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and The Saturday Show (Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) on The KSL Sports Zone. Follow her on X, Instagram, and Threads: @BodkinKSLsports
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