The Runnin’ Utes dropped their second game of the season 67-50 to the Wichita State Shockers on the road on Saturday afternoon.
After a week off from playing any games, head coach Larry Krystkowiak expected more out of what was supposed to be a well-rested team. He was disappointed in Utah’s overall defensive effort and hopes this trend does not continue in later games.
Jakob Poeltl was the lone Utah player to score in double digits with 11 points, but for the most part the Shockers kept him in check. Poeltl also added nine rebounds. Jordan Loveridge and Brandon Taylor finished with nine points each.
Overall, the team shot 41.2 percent from the field, and although Wichita State’s shooting percentage was 44.1 percent, it was really turnovers that cost Utah the game. The Utes turned the ball over 19 times compared to Wichita State’s three turnovers.
The Utes opened up the game with an early three-pointer from Lorenzo Bonam, who made his way back into the starting lineup in place of Kenneth Ogbe. However, they also managed to turn the ball over three times in the first three minutes of the game. After the two teams were tied 5-5, Wichita State started to take over and soon led 13-5.
The Shockers kept this lead for much of the first half and made it a 10-point lead with eight minutes left to play. The half ended with the Shockers up 33-20.
The Utes went into the second half down by 13 points, but Utah soon made a run of its own in the second half. Loveridge got fouled on a three-point shot and then on another, later shot down low in the paint to bring the Utes within four points.
Then, after a dunk from Shaquille Morris to get the Shocker crowd back into it, Wichita State started to hit its shots like it had earlier in the game. Brekkott Chapman was soon whistled for fouling a three-point shooter, but Markis McDuffie made the shot, plus the free throw to start pulling away.
The Shockers were soon able to put enough distance between themselves and the Utes to run away with the game.
@kbrenneisen