Fresh off a thrilling 68-67 win over in-state rival Utah State Wednesday night, the Runnin' Utes will play their first game in the Las Vegas Invitational Tournament against the Southern University Jaguars Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Huntsman Center.

Despite a loss to Idaho for Utah, two underclassmen gave the Utes a peek into the future.

The Runnin' Utes were able to hang with the Idaho Vandals for most of the night, but in the end, Idaho's experience was the difference, as Utah lost its season opener Friday 94-87.

The 2009-2010 men's basketball regular season will officially get under way tonight, as the Runnin' Utes host the University of Idaho Vandals at 7 p.m. at the Huntsman Center.

Although the game was simply an exhibition against a Division II team, several players who figure to be crucial to Utah's success had solid performances.

Seniors Kim Tillie and Carlon Brown led the Ute offensive attack, and the team got several big contributions from its underclassmen in an 83-70 victory over the University of Findlay Oilers on Saturday afternoon.

The Runnin' Utes will play their first and only exhibition game of the 2009-2010 season this Saturday at noon, hosting the defending NCAA Division II champions, University of Findlay Oilers, at the Huntsman Center.

The men's and women's 2009-2010 season schedules have been finalized, and both are set to will see tough matchups.

"I am obsessed with continuing to build this program, and it's important to keep our momentum going," Boylen said.

Former Ute standout Luke Nevill didn't hear his name called during the NBADraft, but the New Orleans Hornets had their eye on the 7-foot-2-inch center.