After a big win over the San Diego State Aztecs, one Utah name stood out.
Shaun Green nailed a 3-pointer with 1:10 left in the game that sealed the deal for the Utes, giving them a 10-point lead over the Aztecs. But that wasn’t all he did.
The 3-pointer was just one of three he made and was part of Green’s 21 points as he led the Utes to a 67-55 victory over San Diego State.
“I made the open shots, I made the big plays, I rebounded and tried to find the right spots at the right time,” Green said. “Luke made big plays, everybody made big plays, so it was really just a complete team effort.”
Green went 7-of-11 from the field, including 3-of-6 from behind the arc.
“It was just one of those nights,” he said. “I was in the right place at the right time and the shots fell for me.”
Green didn’t just contribute with points8212;he also came up with 10 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block in the win.
“I’ve seen Shaun play a lot of good games, but tonight he was everywhere,” said fellow senior Lawrence Borha. “He did everything for us.”
After struggling with ball-handling and creating offense for the Utes last season, Green worked hard in the offseason to improve his game. The results have been evident in his play this season, as Green is one of the Utes’ leading scorers.
“I embarrassed him last year that he couldn’t put the ball on the floor, he couldn’t create for anybody and he couldn’t make anybody better,” said head coach Jim Boylen. “Tonight I thought he made everyone better. It’s the best game he’s ever played for me.”
Green said his confidence level has improved as a ball-handler and credits his newfound maturity.
“I’m a lot more confident when a defender is trying (to) pressure me on the perimeter,” Green said. “I know that I can go by them and make a play for a teammate or get to the rim and score and I happened to do that a little bit tonight. The hard work (has) paid off for me.”
It was Green’s fourth career double-double.
“Ten rebounds is big for him,” Boylen said. “I think he’s gotten a lot tougher in the last two years and he wants to leave here a winning player.”
The win marks the first time in Green’s career as a Ute that Utah has had sole possession of first place in the Mountain West Conference.
“We got the win in one of the biggest games of my career and I just tried to do everything I could to help my team,” Green said. “It’s the best feeling in the world. I really can’t explain it.”
Tyler CobbUtah?s Shaun Green lead the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the Utes? 67-55 win versus San Diego State Wednesday.