Three days after a tough loss to Cincinnati, the Utah Runnin’ Utes found redemption by overcoming West Virginia 61-56 at Hope Coliseum in Morgantown. This victory snapped a seven-game losing streak and marked Utah’s first road win since January 2025.
Let’s dive into three key takeaways from this pivotal game that pushed Utah’s record to 10-16 overall and 2-11 in Big 12 play.
Hot Starts in Both Halves
Utah came out blazing, taking an 18-3 lead against a stunned West Virginia squad. The Utes hit their first six shots, setting a strong tone early. Despite some scoring droughts, they carried a 31-21 advantage into halftime.
The second half began much like the first, with Utah extending their lead to as much as 15 points on three occasions, the last being a 45-30 game with 14:35 remaining. The Utes made five of their first seven shots in the half before West Virginia began their comeback attempt.
Holding Strong Under Pressure
West Virginia had a knack for comebacks, having erased 14-point deficits in their last two victories. This time, they managed a 7-0 run, closing the gap to 53-51 with just under four minutes left. Utah, however, was determined not to repeat their collapse against Cincinnati, where they lost after surrendering the final nine points.
Instead, the Utes executed crucial plays down the stretch and capitalized on West Virginia’s errors to secure the win.
Defensive Grit Sets the Tone
Utah’s coach, Alex Jensen, has emphasized the importance of defense, and it showed in this game. The Utes’ defensive prowess, spearheaded by Seydou Traore, was crucial.
Traore took on the challenge of guarding West Virginia’s leading scorer, Honor Huff. While Huff scored 12 points, he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 4 of 15.
In the final minute, with the game on the line, Traore’s defensive pressure forced an air ball from Huff on a potential game-tying three-pointer. Traore also contributed significantly on offense, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and two assists.
Terrence Brown and Don McHenry each added 16 points, with Brown also grabbing eight rebounds and three assists. Utah’s dominance on the boards was evident as they outrebounded West Virginia 38-28.
This victory not only broke the losing streak but also showcased Utah’s ability to execute under pressure and maintain defensive intensity, setting a hopeful tone for the remainder of the season.