After a heartbreaking loss in Tucson, the Runnin’ Utes return back home to the Huntsman Center to play the 10-4 Washington Huskies.
With the Utes being at .500 with a 7-7 record, they will have extra motivation to take down their conference foes. Their next three games will be in Salt Lake City, giving the team that extra bit of drive to get back in the win column.
For the second consecutive game, both Donnie Tillman and Sedrick Barefield posted 20 points, but still lost in their matchup with Arizona. The Utes led by 10 points in the second half but were later cut as Arizona took a 6 point lead in the second half.
Ultimately, the Utes got back in the game and forced overtime. In overtime, it was tightly contested throughout but Arizona got the last minute steal and basket to go along with some free throws to seal the win.
The Utes played well throughout the entire game with Barefield leading the way. On the night, Barefield had 26 points on 10/17 field goal shooting and 5/9 from beyond the arc. Despite the great performance, Barefield was fouled out with about two minutes to go in regulation.
Tillman showed great flashes throughout the two-game road-trip, featuring 28-point game against Arizona State and 22 points against Arizona. Out of the younger guys, Tillman has presented a consistent play which will only become a natural habit for him moving forward.
The 10-4 Washington Huskies have played some great basketball this season. They almost knocked off No. 5 Gonzaga, but fell short, losing by just two points. Washington has won their last four of five and has also won their last three straight.
Heading into the game, both teams will look to distance themselves from the rest of the pack, and gain some breathing room in the standings.
The Utes and Huskies are set to tip off at 8 P.M. MT on Thursday, Jan. 10 in the Huntsman Center.