Utah topples UCLA 71-39

Jordan Loveridge

Jordan Loveridge shoot a three over UCLA guard Bryce Alford. (Photo: Rob Gray)

The University of Utah topples UCLA 71-39 at the Huntsman Center Sunday afternoon in blowout fashion.  The No. 10 ranked Utes continued their hot streak building on their win over USC Friday with a dominating performance.  The team was the star in this game as no player dominated the stat sheet in the scoring column.  Nearly everyone that played in the game scored a bucket with the only one not scoring being the crowd favorite, Austin Easton who heard the chants for him to enter the game as the game was winding down.

Delon Wright had 11 points, 7 rebounds,  5 assists and 4 steals to lead the way for Utah.  Wright’s 30 minutes of play also led the team as Delon unselfishly asked to be taken from the game with 5 minutes to go as to let other players get more playing time.  Jakob Poeltl led the team in rebounds with 10 boards and chipped in 9 points to just miss a double, double.

Dallin Bachynski (Photo Rob Gray)

Dallin Bachynski (Photo Rob Gray)

The Utes had a breakthrough in free throw shooting making 16 of 19 attempts for 84% from the line.  The Utes have stubbled from the line the past few games making just 50% of their attempts against the Trojans on Friday.  Coach Larry Krystkowiak talked about the free throws previously and again mentioned that he truly believes the problem is mental and they practice free throws.

The Bruins were led by Tony Parker with 12 points while the team’s leading scorer Bryce Alford (UCLA Coach Alford’s son) was held scoreless on 0-14 shooting.  Alford was heckled from the first shot that was short and missed everything.  The rest of the game whenever Alford touched the ball chants of “Air Ball” could be heard throughout the stadium.  The chant became too much as three others also shot air balls so only Alford continued to hear the chant.

Norman Powell

UCLA forward Normal Powell defended by Delon Wright and Dallin Bachyninski. (Photo Rob Gray)

UCLA has two players that may be potential first round picks in the NBA draft if they choose to leave school after this year.  Kevon Looney was held to 8 points and 6 rebounds and Norman Powell also scored 8 and had 3 boards.  Utah has become a lock down defensive team and has held many players below their season average.  The 39 points for UCLA is their lowest point total since 1967.  The UCLA coach said meeting up against Utah’s offense was not the cure for his team’s struggling offensive issues.  Next up for the Bruins will be a home game against Stanford.

Utah Coaching Staff (Photo: Rob Gray)

Utah Coaching Staff (Photo: Rob Gray)

The Utah coaching staff wore a RH on their lapel in honor of assistant coach Andy Hill’s ailing father who is fighting cancer.  The team has dedicated the season to Rick Hill and we here at Utah Sporting News send our thoughts toward coach Hill’s father.

Next up for the Utes with be the University of Colorado at the Huntsman Center on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.

Utah topples UCLA 71-39 Photo Gallery

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Photos courtesy of Rob Gray for Utah Sporting News and ESPN 700.

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