The 10th ranked Runnin’ Utes Handle USC in the PAC12 opener 69-55 in front of a crowd of 14,140 at the Huntsman Center. Jordan Loveridge started the game off quick with a three pointer from the left free throw line extended and never look back. JLove had a great game shooting the ball well and leading the team with 14 points and pulled down 6 rebounds to help the Utes pull off the win.
USC led for a short period shortly after the start of the game although the largest lead USC had was only a basket which occurred the final time with just under three minutes into the contest. Utah led most of the contest and wasn’t really threatened by the Trojans with the largest margin at 26 near the end of the game.
The Trojans were led by Malik Martin and Nikola Jovanovic both with identical numbers of 14 points and 6 rebounds. The Utes did well on the boards gathering 38 rebounds to 32 for the Trojans and neither team shot well from the foul line. The Trojans went 2 of 5 from the charity stripe at 40% while the Utes went 10 of 20 for 50%. Free throw shooting has been a struggle for the Utes all season. Coach Larry Krystkowiak in comments after the game said it would appear they don’t practice free throws but they do and they need to do a better job during the game.
Next up for the Utes is UCLA on Sunday in the first of three Sunday games for the Utes.
Utes Handle USC in PAC12 Opener Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Rob Gray for Utah Sporting News and ESPN 700.