Utah's basketball team is navigating another challenging two-game road stint in Big 12 play. This time, the Runnin’ Utes are heading east after a tough loss to Cincinnati, where they let a five-point lead slip away in the final minutes, ending in a 69-65 defeat.
Next up, Utah faces West Virginia on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. MST, with the game broadcast on FS1 and radio coverage on 700 AM.
The Utes, currently 9-16 overall and 1-11 in conference play, are eager to snap a seven-game losing streak. Their last victory was against TCU on January 17.
In the Cincinnati game, Utah had a strong chance to win, boasting a 74% probability according to ESPN Analytics when Keanu Dawes put them ahead 65-60 with under two minutes remaining. However, the Bearcats surged back, outscoring Utah 9-0 in the final 90 seconds, while the Utes missed crucial shots and free throws.
Coach Alex Jensen emphasized the importance of controlling the controllables and continuing to mature as a team. Despite the loss, Utah displayed resilience, notably out-rebounding the taller Bearcats 40-30, including a 16-8 edge on the offensive boards.
Unfortunately, Utah's struggles with timely lapses were evident again. A missed defensive rebound with 1:34 left could have allowed them to maintain their lead, but Cincinnati capitalized on the opportunity to secure the win.
Looking ahead, Utah aims to build on these positives against a West Virginia squad fighting for an NCAA tournament spot. The Mountaineers, sitting at 16-9 overall and 7-5 in Big 12 play, are listed as a bubble team by ESPN, meaning they can't afford to falter against Utah.
West Virginia's attack is spearheaded by Honor Huff, averaging 15.6 points per game, with key contributions from Brenen Loriant and Treysen Eaglestaff. Defensively, the Mountaineers are formidable, allowing the second-fewest points in the Big 12 and ranking in the top 25 nationally for defensive efficiency.
For Utah, the focus remains on aggression and growth. Coach Jensen continues to encourage his players to be assertive and learn from their experiences, emphasizing that confidence and maturity are crucial, especially on the road.
As the Utes face West Virginia, the challenge is clear: harness their grit, minimize mistakes, and play with the belief that they can compete at this level.