LAS VEGAS – The University of Utah Running Utes fell to the fourth ranked Arizona Wildcats 71-39 in Pac-12 Quarterfinal play. The lopsided Arizona win broke several Pac-12 tournament records as the Cats crushed the Utes in the most lopsided game in Pac-12 tournament history. Arizona put its name in the record books by setting records for fewest points allowed, fewest field goals (12) and lowest shooting percentage (25).
The two teams played two close games during the regular season with one going to overtime. The Wildcats were not going to mess around today with the pesky Utes. Nick Johnson scored 14 points, McConnell 13 and Gordon added 11 for Arizona, which shot 53 percent but the talk of the game was the amazing defense the Wildcats blanketed Utah with. The Wildcats were at their lane-jumping, contesting every shot and out hustling the Utes right until the end of the game.
The Wildcats held the Utes to 13 points in the first half, another record, and matched UCLA’s 32-point win over Oregon State in 2006 to move into Friday’s semifinals against Colorado.
Utah was led by forward Jordan Loveridge and Pac-12 first teamer Delon Wright whom who scored a dismal seven points on 1-of-4 shooting. The Wildcats held Utah to 5-of-19 shooting while forcing eight turnovers in the first half. Loveridge and Wright, who combine for over 31 points per game, took four shots and had no points between them.
The Utes are hoping for an invite to the NIT and could host at least one game in the tournament.
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- Jordan Loveridge
