Utah is showing improved efficiency and greater confidence on offense ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sam Houston in Salt Lake City.
The Utes (3-0) committed a season-low six turnovers in an 87-69 win over Holy Cross on Monday night. They shot 53.3% from the field and outscored the Crusaders 44-26 in the paint. Terrence Brown led the way with 21 points.
For Utah, it represented a step forward after struggling with shooting accuracy in an overtime win over Weber State.
First-year coach Alex Jensen points to a stronger commitment to playing solid defense as the catalyst for offense. Indeed, Utah pulled away from Holy Cross after allowing the Crusaders to shoot just 29.4 percent from 3-point range after halftime.
“I always say, ‘If you’re having trouble shooting, instead of talking about shooting or shooting more shots, go rebound, go defend,'” Jensen said Monday. “And, usually, it’s funny how much it helps you with your shooting.”
Jensen is undefeated at the Huntsman Center as a player and coach, winning 59 games during his playing career under Rick Majerus and starting 3-0 this season.
The Utes are the second straight Big 12 opponent for Sam Houston.
The Bearkats (1-1) have had more than a week off since their 98-77 loss to then-No. 10 Texas Tech on November 7. They struggled to contain the Red Raiders inside and out. Texas Tech shot 50% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range. Kashie Natt had a double-double for Sam Houston, totaling 16 points and 11 rebounds.
This will be Sam Houston’s second trip to Salt Lake City in four seasons. The Bearkats faced Utah on November 17, 2022 and came away with a 65-55 victory over the Utes. Qua Grant scored 20 of 22 points after halftime to help Sam Houston record its second win against a power conference opponent this season.
Sam Houston is 2-9 against Power Conference schools since the start of the 2022-23 season, but has lost nine in a row during that stretch.
–Field level media
