(Insert Clever Title Here): The Cal-Stanford Game Thread

[SoCalPat]

Kinda weird we're playing two schools we haven't seen yet this year in the final week of the season.

We know what's at stake here -- a sweep puts us solidly in the conversation regarding an NCAA at-large berth. It also keeps alive a shot at a top 4 spot in Vegas, which IMO gives us near-lock status in the Dance.

A split and we're talking about how many wins we need in Vegas

Get swept, and we're NIT bound unless we win it all in Vegas.

I don't like the Stanford matchup. They buried us twice last year, are even better this year, are playing for a single-digit seed in the dance and we get them on Senior Night.

[sancho]

I don't like the Stanford matchup. They buried us twice last year, are even better this year, are playing for a single-digit seed in the dance and we get them on Senior Night.

Agreed. I like the Stanford matchup about as much as I like Stanford.

I am encouraged with how we handled Scott last week. Maybe we can do the same to Powell.

Cal's a fine matchup but a bad time. They need this game as much as we do after getting blown to pieces in Arizona last week.

[DrumNFeather]

Kinda weird we're playing two schools we haven't seen yet this year in the final week of the season.

We know what's at stake here -- a sweep puts us solidly in the conversation regarding an NCAA at-large berth. It also keeps alive a shot at a top 4 spot in Vegas, which IMO gives us near-lock status in the Dance.

A split and we're talking about how many wins we need in Vegas

Get swept, and we're NIT bound unless we win it all in Vegas.

I don't like the Stanford matchup. They buried us twice last year, are even better this year, are playing for a single-digit seed in the dance and we get them on Senior Night.

Yeah, Stanford has talented bigs, which our bigs have struggled with this year. We're really gonna have to slow it down against them and have a good shooting night.

[LA Ute]

Phil Cullen's weekly e-mail to season ticket holders:


It is hard to believe that this is the last week of Pac-12 Conference play. With the win over Colorado last week, our record was improved to 19-9 overall and 8-8 in conference. The Pac-12 Conference Tournament starts next week and teams are battling for tournament seeding. Here is a link to the Pac-12 Tournament Bracket, http://pac-12.com/2014-pac-12-mens-basketball-tournament (http://email.jumpforwardemail.com/wf/click?upn=fjwTTBU3cNyjK7r3K2xbepTqdSu0OX78Lw1qkVzW FKjuoX5un6-2Fvu1Lv0SzX-2BTihaAB6wwMZdljW7PsSBMrabg-3D-3D_JpavFYnoLTX47CpO-2FXOabzjYqG6h2ymjArNh36QzXJZDcMBAuxEsJTakaHJarCcXK Q1-2FjxyWZMWWwp2naBatrn2mC6nAJqOb-2FV5isHFOcXL6zdVnx-2BibdBYDnr8qThA3B0zo6jjQsgiGFfNkxSBAZ0WAHFuBlt9WSY I1dVYOT3UKl-2Bcm9VrMF1WeSgk-2F5nUUJEG-2FRUfVyRhWsezPV5B2QIotqTQPtkC36QMxK96M4j6s4LUcfsCy mnyJJ-2FO6upV0V-2B5hgYu7V0DzYHRkwOWb4H5DZxnDKNefyrPHgqaM2b4-3D) . We are currently in 8th position in the conference standings, but we still have a chance to finish 4th based on this weeks outcomes. Tournament seeding is crucial and we hope to carry momentum into the conference tournament. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the tournament, please call our ticket representative, Will Goldman at 801.587.9894 for more ticket information.

With that said, we have our work cut out for us against California and Stanford who are both locked as NCAA tournament teams. California is led by pg Justin Cobbs who is averaging 17 ppg in conference play but they have four others averaging double figures as well. Tyrone Wallace and Jordan Matthews round up the backcourt and David Kravish and Richard Solomon are one of the best forward combinations in the league. Cal looks to push the ball in transition and Cobbs is the primary threat. If he is not scoring the ball he making plays for others to score.

Keys for us against Cal are to defend in transition, contest shots and rebound. Our offense success rate is drastically better off of misses and steals on the defensive end of the floor. Game time versus Cal is set for 9:00 pm Mountain Time and will be featured on ESPNU.

The second game of the trip is against Stanford on Saturday at 12:30 pm Mountain Time and will be televised on the Pac-12 Network. Saturday's game will be Stanford's Senior Night. They currently have three seniors, Dwight Powell 15 ppg and 7 rpg, Josh Huestis 12 ppg and 9 rpg and John Gage. Outside of the seniors they are led by pg Chasson Randle who averages 18 ppg, 4 rpg and 2.5 apg. Stanford is big and physical has outrebounded their opponent in each of their wins. Although their frontline is big they like to run and push the ball and have an overall offensive rating that is 39th in the country. Click to see both Cal's (http://email.jumpforwardemail.com/wf/click?upn=4Gl3jowIu-2FT1gqArk0Z7Sow06NBU-2F8Vl2xc-2B1k-2B7QoZmGKnCGfdQnv-2FzTXf6rkLEYB1kjCrVpeAYSRt-2BNfrMrTaxAHbgMCrF1xPFgQ4qKIf4kpO2n9IGAJRuZ5b43XNY 6ExcDhHiA9CKdcRe2KzqOgLejC1UucxssUSp2PCw9kc-3D_JpavFYnoLTX47CpO-2FXOabzjYqG6h2ymjArNh36QzXJZDcMBAuxEsJTakaHJarCcXK Q1-2FjxyWZMWWwp2naBatrn2mC6nAJqOb-2FV5isHFOcXL6zdVnx-2BibdBYDnr8qThA3B0zo6jjQsgiGFfNkxSBAZz0hYMCZIZJpkr EBFQBXrEZsjYSW6rm7R8dIEzpjsv-2Fwi0f1PqPgngSo4sTjGinpBAreBR2F2v5zRxItaTZ8NzOD6T6 sIIYQmD-2B0VTeoMLYnItXDpbrEuS4pK7ME2Dst6M-2F-2FQI4YBFHVGui227ObzIE-3D) and Stanford's (http://email.jumpforwardemail.com/wf/click?upn=4Gl3jowIu-2FT1gqArk0Z7Sow06NBU-2F8Vl2xc-2B1k-2B7QoZmGKnCGfdQnv-2FzTXf6rkLEYB1kjCrVpeAYSRt-2BNfrMrTaxAHbgMCrF1xPFgQ4qKIcWXDR9Tm-2BrdlrOjZ6K7WiwAibTqsgEeClVcVVobSddWqhsbn4-2FpMrpQDNe-2BTXTXl0-3D_JpavFYnoLTX47CpO-2FXOabzjYqG6h2ymjArNh36QzXJZDcMBAuxEsJTakaHJarCcXK Q1-2FjxyWZMWWwp2naBatrn2mC6nAJqOb-2FV5isHFOcXL6zdVnx-2BibdBYDnr8qThA3B0zo6jjQsgiGFfNkxSBAZ33czKNbyPpt98 XQsc3kg2R70jwgalamGWXuIAcTMREBlAMT4iFCUE8ALJ5lieNl UVndFdu0fICKw0zVnDKRzV-2BLESmkXTX60sRqH6VHjGbg9JrBAlY6dI2kU2V15VPR786fuWT-2BAm52-2F-2BUMrVFTHbg-3D) stats.

As it currently stands we are ranked #34 in ESPNs BPI ranking and #35 in Ken Pomeroys ranking. It feels good to be in the post season conversation, but we are always striving for more and our players are too!

Thanks for all of your support! GO UTES!

The Men's Basketball Staff

[LA Ute]

Something to get everyone's pulse rate up as we enter March Madness:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RTzjfI0q7Q

[LA Ute]

Tony Jones on this week's games:


For the first time since 2009, Ute fans aren’t looking ahead to next season, or even spring football. This group of Utah players has made clear with its performance that the focus remain strictly on March and the postseason.

Utah Basketball: Rewards await Utes if they can win on final road trip





(http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/utes/57627502-89/utah-utes-games-tournament.html.csp)

[U-Ute]

Stanford crushed us last year with their size. I'm encouraged by how well we have handled Arizona and Colorado down the stretch. Hopefully they can carry that onto the road.

[Applejack]

Stanford crushed us last year with their size. I'm encouraged by how well we have handled Arizona and Colorado down the stretch. Hopefully they can carry that onto the road.

I think a sweep is a really tall order for a team still trying to figure out (1) finishing games and (2) the road. I'd be ecstatic with 1 of 2. Do people really think we can make the dance with a split on this trip and two wins in the tournament? I'm still not seeing ANYONE outside of this board talking about us as an at-large candidate.

[LA Ute]

I think a sweep is a really tall order for a team still trying to figure out (1) finishing games and (2) the road. I'd be ecstatic with 1 of 2. Do people really think we can make the dance with a split on this trip and two wins in the tournament? I'm still not seeing ANYONE outside of this board talking about us as an at-large candidate.

1-1 is what I am expecting, along with a deep NIT run.

[sancho]

I think a sweep is a really tall order for a team still trying to figure out (1) finishing games and (2) the road. I'd be ecstatic with 1 of 2. Do people really think we can make the dance with a split on this trip and two wins in the tournament? I'm still not seeing ANYONE outside of this board talking about us as an at-large candidate.

1 of 2 would let us finish at .500. A pretty big milestone.

Lunardi finally listed us on his bubble. 1 of 2 with 2 tournament wins could get er done, if one of those Vegas victories is Zona.

[Utah]

1 of 2 would let us finish at .500. A pretty big milestone.

Lunardi finally listed us on his bubble. 1 of 2 with 2 tournament wins could get er done, if one of those Vegas victories is Zona.

.500 in PAC-12 play this year? Wow. What a great year. Then throw in the fact that, what, 5 of those losses we had 10+ leads in the second half? Man, next year could be very, very special.

We have a chance to end up #4 in the PAC-12 THIS year. If we ended up top 2-3 next year, and had a favorable seeding in the tournament...special things could happen. We could get back to hating who we should be hating...freaking Kentucky.

[DrumNFeather]

1 of 2 would let us finish at .500. A pretty big milestone.

Lunardi finally listed us on his bubble. 1 of 2 with 2 tournament wins could get er done, if one of those Vegas victories is Zona.

What Oregon does will be critical as well. It seems like there is at least some measure of comfort in Oregon being in as the 7th team from the Pac 12. We need them to get swept by the AZ schools and lose that opening 8/9 game in the P 12 tourney.

[SoCalPat]

What Oregon does will be critical as well. It seems like there is at least some measure of comfort in Oregon being in as the 7th team from the Pac 12. We need them to get swept by the AZ schools and lose that opening 8/9 game in the P 12 tourney.

That's not happening to Oregon a second time this year, getting swept on a homestand.

[SeattleUte]

I'm surprised at the spread. 3-3.5. The oddsmakers feel Utah is never an easy win.

[sancho]

I'm surprised at the spread. 3-3.5. The oddsmakers feel Utah is never an easy win.

Makes sense to me. Utah has been a tough out in all but one loss this season.

I haven't seen a lot of Cal this season. I have no idea how we'll match up.

[SoCalPat]

Makes sense to me. Utah has been a tough out in all but one loss this season.

I haven't seen a lot of Cal this season. I have no idea how we'll match up.

First really tough line I've seen for a Utah road game this year. Our road history says we cover and lose outright, but 3/3.5 points leaves very little room for error. Money line where I'm at is +150. There's no overlay on this line at all.

[U-Ute]

Some ideas I have for thread titles:


NCAA Or Bust
Road Trippin with the Nerds
Utes and Nerds and Bears - oh my!
Escape from Alcatraz - NCAA Tournament edition

[DrumNFeather]

RPI sitting at 83 heading into tonight.

These next two games will require our guys to essentially be a different team than they've been all year. Let's get it done boys!

[DrumNFeather]

Down a TD early.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[Mormon Red Death]

Down a TD early.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

The camera angle is making me sick.

[DrumNFeather]

The camera angle is making me sick.

Standard def is just awful (on dish). #firstworldproblems

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[DrumNFeather]

Maybe Delon needs contact lenses.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[DrumNFeather]

This looks like two teams who don't know they're playing a basketball game.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[DrumNFeather]

2 point lead at the half. U G L Y.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[Ex'dute]

I'll take a two point lead at the end of the game. I don't care if it's UGLY.

[mpfunk]

Nice to have a lead, now win the game. Competing is not good enough.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[LA Ute]

Ogbe, Onwas, Bach and Kova have 20 of our 26 points. Who'd-a thunk it?

[Mormon Red Death]

Is Olsen hurt? Why Hasnt he played?

[Mormon Red Death]

Is Olsen hurt? Why Hasnt he played?

It would be nice to actually make a 3 pointer this game.

[Mormon Red Death]

It would be nice to actually make a 3 pointer this game.

Thank you Brandon Taylor

[OrangeUte]

Huge shots getting hit in this game. Tough rebounding by the Utes this game.

I seriously love watching this team!

[Mormon Red Death]

Seriously does anyone know why Olsen has not played?

[OrangeUte]

I haven't heard anything about Olsen.

[LA Ute]

Let's see the killer instinct emerge now.

[OrangeUte]

I want to go on record now that Arizona will be out of the NCAA tournament by the 2nd round.

[OrangeUte]

It almost sounds like the Cal fans are yelling "O" like they think they are in eugene.

[LA Ute]

Tucker hasn't played either, has he?

[hostile]

Tucker hasn't played either, has he?
A little in the first half. Nothing in the second.

[OrangeUte]

Turnover on traveling Bachynski?!?!

[LA Ute]

Anytime Dallin has the ball for more than 2-3 seconds bad things seem to happen.

[DrumNFeather]

We can't even get a good look right now and Cal is taking it to the rim with ease.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[LA Ute]

I'd sure like to see some Ute toughness in these last 3 minutes or so.

No, not an airball. Sigh.

[OrangeUte]

Hahaha - air ball indeed!

[Mormon Red Death]

In a game where scoring is tough to come by one of our best scorers down low has not played. WTF Krystowiak? Why hasn't Olsen entered the game?

[DrumNFeather]

I'd sure like to see some Ute toughness in these last 3 minutes or so.

No, not an airball. Sigh.

I just...I mean, come on guys. This seems to be a huge gap with Larry's coaching. He needs to coach em up in the last two min.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[DrumNFeather]

Massive possession here.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[OrangeUte]

Taylor!!!!!!!!!!! Huge 3!!!!

[DrumNFeather]

Close this out fellas.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[OrangeUte]

As long as we can make our free throws we should win this.

[DrumNFeather]

As long as we can make our free throws we should win this.

...and not commit dumb fouls

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[hostile]

As long as we can make our free throws we should win this.
And not commit silly fouls.

[OrangeUte]

True.

[hostile]

And not commit silly fouls.
'Cmon. Stupid.

[DrumNFeather]

Trying to make this as challenging as possible

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[LA Ute]

Was there any reason on earth for Lenz to foul there?

[DrumNFeather]

Was there any reason on earth for Lenz to foul there?

Does Lenz not know we're winning?

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[LA Ute]

Does Lenz not know we're winning?

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

I swear, the things these Utes do in the final minute of a game....

[DrumNFeather]

I swear, the things these Utes do in the final minute of a game....

This game should have finished 10 min ago

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[LA Ute]

Lenz can redeem himself here...and sort of does.

[hostile]

Is that a 5 second call?

[LA Ute]

HUGE win in so many ways.

[hostile]

Nice. Finally.

[OrangeUte]

20 wins. Sweet! Road record stinks but this is a good road win for us. Nice game!

[DrumNFeather]

(Exhale)

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[SoCalPat]

There is overall improvement and there is a successful season. Tonight's win allowed the 2013-14 Utes to cross over from the former and clearly into the latter.

With one game left in the regular season, we are solidly in the NIT, kept alive our shot at a top 4 seed in Vegas and are very much alive for an at-large into the NCAAs. This year's Utah team is Exhibit A as to why teams can arrive ahead of schedule, as well as why it's OK to demand excellence in spite of there being very little of it in recent years.

[LA Ute]

I hope they learned something important tonight about how to behave in crunch time. Although Lenz did take his turn at making a totally bone-headed mistake; and although they allowed that ridiculous roll of the ball up the floor for 7-8 seconds followed by an easy layup; maybe, just maybe, they've exorcised that demon. They made the clutch free throws at least.

i think they had only 2 TOs in the entire 2nd half. That's awesome.

[Mormon Red Death]

First time since we have been in the conference that we have been above 500 in
League play

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Applejack]

Whatever happens next, this season has been a blast. I love exceeding expectations, and ending the regular season at .500 (at least!) obliterates anyone's reasonable expectations. Larry K should be strong contender for Pac-12 coach of the year and I think he should get a vote or two for national honors. Kudos to Kodiak and staff.

[Applejack]

I just watched the highlights - some great sportscenter moves by Delon. I love the play where he gets the steal, pushes on the break, goes behind the back, jumps in the air and looks at Dakarai in the corner before throwing a no-look alley-oop to Dallin (which he caught, came down, and then softly laid off the glass). If Batshit dunks that thing, that's the ESPN play of the day.

[UBlender]

I just watched the highlights - some great sportscenter moves by Delon. I love the play where he gets the steal, pushes on the break, goes behind the back, jumps in the air and looks at Dakarai in the corner before throwing a no-look alley-oop to Dallin (which he caught, came down, and then softly laid off the glass). If Batshit dunks that thing, that's the ESPN play of the day.

One correction, it was Marko, the human highlight reel, not Dallin that finished on this play.

[concerned]

I just watched the highlights - some great sportscenter moves by Delon. I love the play where he gets the steal, pushes on the break, goes behind the back, jumps in the air and looks at Dakarai in the corner before throwing a no-look alley-oop to Dallin (which he caught, came down, and then softly laid off the glass). If Batshit dunks that thing, that's the ESPN play of the day.

It was Marko not Dallin, but a terrific play nontheless; I thought, "Im amazed Wright even trusts Marko enough to try that play." Marko saved our butts in stretches last night; still have never heard why Olsen didnt play. (That play where Marko got the o rebound and made the reverse pass to Wright for the layup was crucial).

[Applejack]

One correction, it was Marko, the human highlight reel, not Dallin that finished on this play.


It was Marko not Dallin, but a terrific play nontheless; I thought, "Im amazed Wright even trusts Marko enough to try that play." Marko saved our butts in stretches last night; still have never heard why Olsen didnt play. (That play where Marko got the o rebound and made the reverse pass to Wright for the layup was crucial).

Ack! It was marKo? Then I guess a dunk was out of the question.

[sancho]

With Loveridge at under 30% from behind the line and Tucker losing pretty much all his minutes, it's now mostly up to Taylor (and Ogbe/Tucker in limited minutes) to hit the outside shots. He delivered big time, but it still makes me nervous to have all our eggs in one basket when it comes to outside shooting. Not sure what can be done, though. Onwas produces so many other good things (wish he could hit FTs).

How great to see Wright, Taylor, and Loveridge hit their FTs late in the game!

[concerned]

With Loveridge at under 30% from behind the line and Tucker losing pretty much all his minutes, it's now mostly up to Taylor (and Ogbe/Tucker in limited minutes) to hit the outside shots. He delivered big time, but it still makes me nervous to have all our eggs in one basket when it comes to outside shooting. Not sure what can be done, though. Onwas produces so many other good things (wish he could hit FTs).

How great to see Wright, Taylor, and Loveridge hit their FTs late in the game!

That 3 by Loveridge that was an airball by about 3 feet, and the 3 by Wright that appeared to hit the shot clock were mind-numbing.

[SoCalPat]

We won because the ball finally bounced our way, a just reward for winning a lot of little battles and more than enough to compensate for some really boneheaded decisions down the stretch. We outrebounded Cal by 5 overall, 7 on the offensive end. We had SIX turnovers. That is an exceptional stat. God bless Ken Ogbe -- 15 minutes, two 3s, four fouls and two steals. Nothing else, but he gave us some offense early when we needed it, just like he did on the road at Boise and Zona. And of course, Brandon Taylor. Every time I see him play, I can't help but think we could do better. And then he hits a 3 late in the clock and I realize we have to have him on the floor late in games.

It's a damn good thing basketball is a team game, because you've got to wonder where certain individuals are mentally after this win. Dakari Tucker got 6 minutes, missed a 3 and committed two fouls. Jeremy Olsen was a DNP-??? (no one has clarified his absence at all) and we got an out-of-the-blue effort from Marko Kovacevic that was massive for us. His offensive rebound and wrap-around pass to Delon for an and-1 was the Play of the Year for Utah hoops. Well, after Brandon's late 3, maybe.

Discussion about Jordan Loveridge is probably best suited for another thread.

[Mormon Red Death]

We won because the ball finally bounced our way, a just reward for winning a lot of little battles and more than enough to compensate for some really boneheaded decisions down the stretch. We outrebounded Cal by 5 overall, 7 on the offensive end. We had SIX turnovers. That is an exceptional stat. God bless Ken Ogbe -- 15 minutes, two 3s, four fouls and two steals. Nothing else, but he gave us some offense early when we needed it, just like he did on the road at Boise and Zona. And of course, Brandon Taylor. Every time I see him play, I can't help but think we could do better. And then he hits a 3 late in the clock and I realize we have to have him on the floor late in games.

It's a damn good thing basketball is a team game, because you've got to wonder where certain individuals are mentally after this win. Dakari Tucker got 6 minutes, missed a 3 and committed two fouls. Jeremy Olsen was a DNP-??? (no one has clarified his absence at all) and we got an out-of-the-blue effort from Marko Kovacevic that was massive for us. His offensive rebound and wrap-around pass to Delon for an and-1 was the Play of the Year for Utah hoops. Well, after Brandon's late 3, maybe.

Discussion about Jordan Loveridge is probably best suited for another thread.

Did anyone listen to the post game? Did Larry say why Olsen didn't play?

[Mormon Red Death]

Did anyone listen to the post game? Did Larry say why Olsen didn't play?

Someone on Utefans says he heard Larry said someone was "going to give it a try" during the game. The thought is that he was either sick or hurt in practice. I hope so. I dont like the precedent being sent. I hope we arent recruiting over him. His type of player has been Key for Utah. I know he is technically from "Georgia" but he is a white Mormon big man. I would hate to miss out on the next Alex Jensen/Britton Johnsen/Jeff Johnsen/Trace Caton/ because we recruitied a JC that doesnt pan out.

[USS Utah]

Someone on Utefans says he heard Larry said someone was "going to give it a try" during the game. The thought is that he was either sick or hurt in practice. I hope so. I dont like the precedent being sent. I hope we arent recruiting over him. His type of player has been Key for Utah. I know he is technically from "Georgia" but he is a white Mormon big man. I would hate to miss out on the next Alex Jensen/Britton Johnsen/Jeff Johnsen/Trace Caton/ because we recruitied a JC that doesnt pan out.

You forgot Ben Caton.

[sancho]

Some game talk:

Stanford will honor 5 seniors tomorrow.

Powell and Huestis each average about 8 rebounds per game.

Randle is the leading scorer at 18 per game. His field goal percentage is good, but he has been streaky in the games I've seen.

[concerned]

Somebody on Cougarboard is using the WTF 3 point shots by Loveridge and Wright as a GIF. It is pretty funny, actually,so I thought I would share.

http://www.cougarboard.com/board/message.html?id=12116962

[LA Ute]

3 of our 4 TOs have led to Stanford baskets.

[LA Ute]

5 TOs at 15:00 of the 1st half.

[LA Ute]

3 of 5 TOs are by our guards.

[LA Ute]

6 TOs, 4 of them by the guys we trust to handle the ball.

[LA Ute]

Doesn't help that everything Furd throws up is going in.

[Mormon Red Death]

How to do not give him a flagrant for the and kick him out of the game?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[LA Ute]

How to do not give him a flagrant for the and kick him out of the game?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Love how he was looking for the foul after his takedown of Lenz.

[LA Ute]

Larry explaining to the ref what should have been the call.

[LA Ute]

Furd must be shooting 70%.

[Solon]

Larry explaining to the ref what should have been the call.

This is killing me.

[Mormon Red Death]

When Powell comes back they should send kocasevic in to clothesline him

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[LA Ute]

How on earth do we not get that rebound?

[LA Ute]

When Powell comes back they should send kocasevic in to clothesline him

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Wouldn't surprise me if something like that happens.

[LA Ute]

Shooting 64% but down by 10 because we can't hang on to the ball or box out.

[LA Ute]

These TOs are agonizing.

[LA Ute]

Maybe Delon didn't eat his Wheaties this morning.

[LA Ute]

Three tries will usually get you a basket. The rebounding is almost as agonizing as the TOs.

[LA Ute]

We're lucky not to be down by 20. It is kind of a left-handed compliment to our team that we can play this ugly and still be in the game.

[sancho]

Lazy passes don't work against a physical press.

We never rebound when we play zone.

I hate Stanford.

[LA Ute]

After watching the way Powell lowered his shoulder on his second foul I'm now hoping someone gives him a dose of his own medicine before the game's over. I nominate Kovacevic.

[Solon]

Three tries will usually get you a basket. The rebounding is almost as agonizing as the TOs.

11 offensive boards for stanford.
13 turnovers for the utes.

yowzers.

the utes can win this game.

[LA Ute]

Way to go, Powell! Guy just can't help himself.

[Mormon Red Death]

How did we at least not get a break away foul for that?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[LA Ute]

Stanford watching for those cross-court Utah passes. Can't blame them. Easy money.

[LA Ute]

J.O. is a finesse player. Wish he had some ability to muscle the ball up.

[Solon]

Stanford watching for those cross-court Utah passes. Can't blame them. Easy money.

There's gotta be another run left in these guys.

[LA Ute]

That last rebound we gave up had me yelling at the TV. We look powerless to stop them from getting offensive rebounds.

[Solon]

That last rebound we gave up had me yelling at the TV. We look powerless to stop them from getting offensive rebounds.

I know there are still around 10 minutes left, but it feels like it's starting to slip away a little bit.
C'mon, fellas.

[LA Ute]

Hate to say it but we have lost this game and it's all on us.

[OrangeUte]

From 5 to 11 points in less than a minute. We need a huge run to get back in. I don't think grinding our way back in is going to be enough.

[OrangeUte]

No foul on that 3? Wow.

[OrangeUte]

6 points really quick. Nice!

[LA Ute]

From 5 to 11 points in less than a minute. We need a huge run to get back in. I don't think grinding our way back in is going to be enough.

For that to happen Furd has to collapse and I'm not sure they have that in them today.

[LA Ute]

I am going to keep being pessimistic. It's working!

[OrangeUte]

Haha - until that foul I thought we may get this tied up.

[Solon]

Haha - until that foul I thought we may get this tied up.

Yeah, dumb foul. Randle is good.

[LA Ute]

I love Bach, I really do. He's just such a bonehead sometimes. Like allowing guard (!) to get him up in the air, on a corner trey shot, and fouling him.

EDIT: It wasn't a trey.

[LA Ute]

No way we win this one. We've played too badly. ;)

[LA Ute]

Furd's gotten away with lots of lowered shoulders and forearm shivers today.

[OrangeUte]

Stanford missing free throws is a blessing but we are cold cold cold now.

[LA Ute]

We need to get better looks.

[LA Ute]

Stanford missing free throws is a blessing but we are cold cold cold now.

The last 2 times down we have taken low-percentage shots.

[Solon]

We need to get better looks.

Win or lose, this game has frustrated me. I have no answers for this team. So mysterious the way they can struggle to hold onto the ball. Struggle to rebound. struggle to score.

I don't like the Utes' chances if the game boils down to the final possession.

[OrangeUte]

Another missed free throw. Where is our hot hand? And another miss

[OrangeUte]

Bachynski needs to nail both of these.

[LA Ute]

Clutch FTs by Bach.

[Mormon Red Death]

First free throws of the half come in the last minute

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Solon]

First free throws of the half come in the last minute

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
I was surprised to hear that. Wow.

[Solon]

I was surprised to hear that. Wow.

Alright. Here we go. We've seen this before.
One possession to win it.

[LA Ute]

Oh, well.

[OrangeUte]

Frustrating. Elf on too long

[OrangeUte]

Held on.

[Solon]

I don't like the Utes' chances if the game boils down to the final possession.

damn.

[LA Ute]

Credit to Stanford. They stymied us on that last possession. But traveling? Really?

[Mormon Red Death]

How is that not an over the back foul?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[OrangeUte]

I don't know what the play was supposed to be on that last play but it wasn't executed.

[LA Ute]

I'm hoping all this close-game experience pays off next year. And this year in our deep NIT run!

[OrangeUte]

This team is competitive. I'll give them that.

[Solon]

I hoping all this close-game experience pays off next year. And this year in our deep NIT run!

Ugh. Stanford tried to lose this game and the Utes wouldn't oblige.

[OrangeUte]

Ditto LA. It's gotta count for something. We have a ton of 5 point or less losses. We know how to finish competitively just need to figure out how to finish w the win.

[sancho]

It's clear at this point that Wright is not the one to run the play through at the end. That really should be Loveridge or the post.

[DrumNFeather]

Well that sucked.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2

[sancho]

Why was Onwas even in the game there?

[LA Ute]

Ditto LA. It's gotta count for something. We have a ton of 5 point or less losses. We know how to finish competitively just need to figure out how to finish w the win.

Yeah, it still looks like they just don't know what to do when the game is on the line. It's the darnedest thing.

[OrangeUte]

I've got to say that even w the losing close games, I have yet to enjoy watching this team play.

[mpfunk]

I've got to say that even w the losing close games, I have yet to enjoy watching this team play.

It is a better basketball product. However, until we start winning these games consistently, I remain in a wait and see mode with Krystkowiak and the games are still frustrating.

[Mormon Red Death]

I've got to say that even w the losing close games, I have yet to enjoy watching this team play.

I like watching them play I just hate watching them lose



Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[sancho]

I remain in a wait and see mode with Krystkowiak.

What does that even mean? You won't pull for him until we win more games? You won't consider him good? You won't like him? You'll be calling for his head?

[mpfunk]

What does that even mean? You won't pull for him until we win more games? You won't consider him good? You won't like him? You'll be calling for his head?

I'm not going to claim he is a good coach. I'm not going to claim that he is the right coach for Utah. He hasn't proven a damn thing at Utah yet.

[LA Ute]

I'm not going to claim he is a good coach. I'm not going to claim that he is the right coach for Utah. He hasn't proven a damn thing at Utah yet.

You are in a tiny minority of observers. But that's OK. We're fans, and that's what we do.

[LA Ute]

It's clear at this point that Wright is not the one to run the play through at the end.

Based on the evidence I have to agree with you.

[OrangeUte]

Coach K has and is doing an amazing job. I'm sold and don't need any more proof. He is getting it done and there is no reason to believe he won't continue to do so. This is a young team but they fight on every single play and in every single game. They are coached that way by K and Connor and the rest. This is a good fit for the U.

[OrangeUte]

Based on the evidence I have to agree with you.

I like our Bigs down low in the end.

[justaute]

Not only is the team young, but also we may want to consider the collective team just doesn't have enough talent. Of course, I separate physical talent from mental/aptitude talent.

[Mormon Red Death]

I'm not going to claim he is a good coach. I'm not going to claim that he is the right coach for Utah. He hasn't proven a damn thing at Utah yet.

How about a team that has gone from 12th to 10th to already 8th? Recruited do that we have one of the top 5 players in the conference. Was 18-2 @home.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[Solon]

It is a better basketball product. However, until we start winning these games consistently, I remain in a wait and see mode with Krystkowiak and the games are still frustrating.

I'm more in this camp than I wish I were.
Krystko has done a great job this year; I think the Utes have exceeded expectations.

On the other hand, I can't really assign responsibility to the last-possession turds to anyone other than the coach. Maybe he did draw up an elaborate play at during that last timeout, but if Wright et alia don't run it, that's also on the coach.

The program is going in the right direction, but there are some big holes that still need to be filled. I guess it's probably fair to say that Krystko has some improvements to make, just like the rest of the team.

[sancho]

1 point deficit with 30 seconds to go. You have to get a shot off in 10 seconds, 15 at the longest. Extend the game. There's no reason to play for the last shot when losing.

[LA Ute]

I'm more in this camp than I wish I were.
Krystko has done a great job this year; I think the Utes have exceeded expectations.

On the other hand, I can't really assign responsibility to the last-possession turds to anyone other than the coach. Maybe he did draw up an elaborate play at during that last timeout, but if Wright et alia don't run it, that's also on the coach.

The program is going in the right direction, but there are some big holes that still need to be filled. I guess it's probably fair to say that Krystko has some improvements to make, just like the rest of the team.

Agreed, Kodiak has not shown yet that he is a good end of game coach.

[LA Ute]

Maybe Chris Reyes liked what he saw in the Stanford game. He just committed to Utah.

[sancho]

I'm not going to claim he is a good coach. I'm not going to claim that he is the right coach for Utah. He hasn't proven a damn thing at Utah yet.

Ok. Let's play fake AD. You are the AD, and you have to choose today whether you'd like to stay with K for the next three years or start a new job search. What's your call? You've seen three years now, and thats too long to keep saying the jury's out. If you're keeping him, then you aren't any different than the rest of us. If you are firing him, you are the worst internet AD in town.

[LA Ute]

It is ironic that Reyes committed today, when the horrible rebounding of this Utah team was on full display. Hey, maybe he saw it and thought "Wow, I can really help this team!"

[LA Ute]

Not only is the team young, but also we may want to consider the collective team just doesn't have enough talent. Of course, I separate physical talent from mental/aptitude talent.

In the words of the great RM: "I just need better players."

[mpfunk]

Ok. Let's play fake AD. You are the AD, and you have to choose today whether you'd like to stay with K for the next three years or start a new job search. What's your call? You've seen three years now, and thats too long to keep saying the jury's out. If you're keeping him, then you aren't any different than the rest of us. If you are firing him, you are the worst internet AD in town.

I don't think the decision is extend for 3 or fire. The decision is extend for 1 so he isn't a lame duck coach or fire. I would extend.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[USS Utah]

I'm not going to claim he is a good coach. I'm not going to claim that he is the right coach for Utah. He hasn't proven a damn thing at Utah yet.

You are officially out of your mind.

LK went from the absolute bottom of 6-25 to 20-9 in three seasons.

Now, I was skeptical of the hire, but the man has totally won me over.

[sancho]

I don't think the decision is extend for 3 or fire. The decision is extend for 1 so he isn't a lame duck coach or fire. I would extend.


Good then we're all on the same page.

[sancho]

It is ironic that Reyes committed today, when the horrible rebounding of this Utah team was on full display. Hey, maybe he saw it and thought "Wow, I can really help this team!"

Somebody remind me what we decided. Does this mean we have to get rid of someone?

[mpfunk]

You are officially out of your mind.

LK went from the absolute bottom of 6-25 to 20-9 in three seasons.

Now, I was skeptical of the hire, but the man has totally won me over.

Don't ignore the non conference schedule he used to get to 20 wins. Oh and only 2 of those wins are road wins.

I'm not saying he is a bad coach, but I heard way to much we are improving without meaningful results from boylen to buy into anyone without solid results.



Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[USS Utah]

Don't ignore the non conference schedule he used to get to 20 wins. Oh and only 2 of those wins are road wins.

I'm not saying he is a bad coach, but I heard way to much we are improving without meaningful results from boylen to buy into anyone without solid results.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Boylen would not have won 20 games with the same non-conference schedule.

[LA Ute]

Don't ignore the non conference schedule he used to get to 20 wins. Oh and only 2 of those wins are road wins.

I'm not saying he is a bad coach, but I heard way to much we are improving without meaningful results from boylen to buy into anyone without solid results.



Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Boylen and LK are not comparable, IMO. At the most basic level, we now have watchable basketball that employs a discernible, intelligent system. None of that was part of Boylenball.

[LA Ute]

Somebody remind me what we decided. Does this mean we have to get rid of someone?

No. I think if one more player signs up the we have 1 too many. I'm not 100% sure, though.

[Diehard Ute]

No. I think if one more player signs up the we have 1 too many. I'm not 100% sure, though.

Someone has to go. I'm guessing Marko

[sancho]

Boylen would not have won 20 games with the same non-conference schedule.

He might have with this personnel. The biggest difference I see so far is that Larry is landing a really high percentage of his recruiting targets. In college sports that's the first second and third most important thing.

[NorthwestUteFan]

He might have with this personnel. The biggest difference I see so far is that Larry is landing a really high percentage of his recruiting targets. In college sports that's the first second and third most important thing.

That is true. You have to get the players before you can use them in the game.

Player development is fourth and fifth, X's and Os are sixth through eighth, an inbounds play is ninth, and closing out the game is tenth priority. LK is doing admirably in 8.5 - 9 of those areas, and just needs work on #10 (although I am sure the play he called was NOT "Delon, dribble around for 20 seconds, then run into a corner, where Brandon and Princeton can run into each other).

Hiring a new coaching staff ay this point will cost us another 5+ years of mediocrity.

[sancho]

(although I am sure the play he called was NOT "Delon, dribble around for 20 seconds, then run into a corner, where Brandon and Princeton can run into each other).


Just saw the last five minutes of the Colorado game. Both teams attacked hard and fast when they had to in the last minute. Got a good shot off or got to the line in ten seconds or less.

How many times this season have we not even gotten the shot off? Oregon, Stanford, Boise...

Clearly we want Wright to work on his jump shot, but it would be just as valuable for him to learn how to force contact and get to the line.

[LA Ute]

Just watched the final 25 seconds again a few times. I challenge anyone here to watch it and discern what the heck the Utes were trying to do on that play. I sure can't.

[sancho]

Just watched the final 25 seconds again a few times. I challenge anyone here to watch it and discern what the heck the Utes were trying to do on that play. I sure can't.

If I never see it again it will be too soon.

[Applejack]

Don't ignore the non conference schedule he used to get to 20 wins. Oh and only 2 of those wins are road wins.

I'm not saying he is a bad coach, but I heard way to much we are improving without meaningful results from boylen to buy into anyone without solid results.


C'mon, Funk. I'm as sad about the loss today as anyone, but are you serious that Kodiak hasn't shown "meaningful results?" He just finished Pac-12 play at .500!!!! That is, and I say this with no hyperbole, a result that had about a 1% probability at the start of this year. This year is far more impressive than Boylen's single trip to the NCAAs when we were a paper tiger.

Now, K has a lot of room to improve. I'm not convinced that he is a very good in-game coach. I think he preps well, comes up with good defensive gameplans, and gets his kids to play hard. But there are some Xs/Os things (inbounds plays, press breaking, clock management, END OF GAME SITUATIONS) that leave a lot to be desired. Long story short, he's no Rick Majerus.

But, he's our guy and he's a great fit for this program right now. In three years when we are choking away late games that would clinch the Pac-12 title, we can say "you know what, we might need someone else to get us to the next level," but as a program rebuilder, Larry Krystkoviac gets an A+.

[justaute]

He tried to drive hard into the paint a few times today, but was met by a combination of sagging and rotational defenders. Results --- turnovers and blocked shots.


Just saw the last five minutes of the Colorado game. Both teams attacked hard and fast when they had to in the last minute. Got a good shot off or got to the line in ten seconds or less.

How many times this season have we not even gotten the shot off? Oregon, Stanford, Boise...

Clearly we want Wright to work on his jump shot, but it would be just as valuable for him to learn how to force contact and get to the line.

[Scratch]

He tried to drive hard into the paint a few times today, but was met by a combination of sagging and rotational defenders. Results --- turnovers and blocked shots.

Yep, until he can consistently knock down his shot his opportunities around the rim against good competition will be limited to fast breaks and defensive breakdowns.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Was Powell guarding Delon at the end? I am still ticked that he didn't get tossed from the game when he bodyslammed Lenz.

Also Delon was not getting the calls on his drives (except for the obvious hacks).

[sancho]

Also Delon was not getting the calls on his drives (except for the obvious hacks).

He's too smooth to get calls. He has to create body contact in addition to getting swiped across the arm.

[UBlender]

Just watched the final 25 seconds again a few times. I challenge anyone here to watch it and discern what the heck the Utes were trying to do on that play. I sure can't.

I think the goal there was to get it to Taylor flashing to the top of the key where he would either have a jumper or a chance to drive and dish. Defender jumped into the passing lane and we appeared to have no plan B and turned into the keystone cops.

[Utah]

My biggest problem was we had two chances with under 30 seconds to go and didn't get one shot up. If you don't throw the ball at the hoop, you have no shot at winning. They had to get a shot off, even if it was bad.

[U-Ute]

My biggest problem was we had two chances with under 30 seconds to go and didn't get one shot up. If you don't throw the ball at the hoop, you have no shot at winning. They had to get a shot off, even if it was bad.

Especially since Wright's shooting percentages seem to increase with the degree of difficulty.

[NorthwestUteFan]

I caught the end of the UMass-SLU game. The Billikins trailed most of the second half but fought back to tie it up and then went up 2 with 35 sec left. UMass' speedy little guard sprinted the length of the court to tie it up again.

The Billikins had the ball, tied game, about 30 sec left. They ran down the clock to 8 sec, and Jordair Jett, their NFL tailback-sized guard exploded to the basket and finished at the rim. A last second UMass shot from half court clanked out, the Billilins closed out the game, and Majerus smiled down from Basketball Heaven on the team he built.

Do whatever is possible to watch the last minute of that game. It was a thing of beauty. THIS is how you close out a game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjPu1GTm-p8

[SeattleUte]

I love Kodiak. He's perfect for us. When they get the ball and are one score down with one possession left he should try not calling time out and telling them what to do. They've practiced it enough times. See what they can do when both teams are somewhat unsettled. Our guys might surprise. In a game what percent of field goals occur outside of a designed play? I bet most do. I bet the percent is even higher for game winning scores.

[LA Ute]

I love Kodiak. He's perfect for us. When they get the ball and are one score down with one possession left he should try not calling time out and telling them what to do. They've practiced it enough times. See what they can do when both teams are somewhat unsettled. Our guys might surprise. In a game what percent of field goals occur outside of a designed play? I bet most do. I bet the percent is even higher for game winning scores.

^^^^
This.