Stifling protection has elevated Utah going right into a conflict with Idaho State in Salt Lake Metropolis on Monday evening.
The Utes (2-0) have allowed simply 46.0 factors per recreation by means of their first two contests in a season-opening four-game homestand. Their opponents are taking pictures a median of 31 p.c from the sector total and making simply 3.5 3-pointers per recreation. Utah has averaged a plus-12.5 margin in rebounds and is forcing 14.5 turnovers per contest.
In Friday’s 72-44 win over Cal-State Bakersfield, the Utes held the Roadrunners with no level for the sport’s first seven minutes. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead and by no means appeared again.
Offensively, Utah bought a significant increase from Gabe Madsen, who completed with a career-high 25 factors — together with six 3-pointers. Madsen functioned largely as a sixth man final season however has flourished since shifting into the beginning lineup instead of injured teammate Marco Anthony.
“Gabe’s put numerous time in, and I believe you’ll be able to see that,” Utah coach Craig Smith stated. “He is at all times been an excellent shooter. I believe he is change into even a greater shooter, however he has actually gotten stronger once you have a look at his physique.”
Idaho State is not prone to go down with no struggle. The Bengals (1-1) held a lead going into the ultimate minute in opposition to BYU earlier than falling 60-56 to the Cougars of their season opener. BYU lastly prevailed on a go-ahead 3-pointer with 10 seconds left.
“I believe we left that constructing feeling like we had each alternative to win that recreation,” Idaho State coach Ryan Looney stated.
Idaho State returned dwelling and beat NAIA foe Westcliff 97-56 on Thursday.
The Bengals thrive on attacking from the perimeter and can provide a problem to Utah’s robust perimeter protection. Idaho State makes an attempt 30 3-pointers per recreation and has made 23 baskets from lengthy distance by means of its first two contests.
That is the thirty second assembly between the 2 faculties. Utah leads the sequence 27-4 and is 19-0 in Salt Lake Metropolis in opposition to the Bengals.
–Subject Degree Media
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