SALT LAKE CITY — If the scores are any indication, Pac-12 play has been as easy as 1-2-3 for the ninth-ranked Utah Utes. Thus far, they’ve won all three of their conference contests in lopsided fashion.
Wednesday’s 74-49 victory over Colorado followed a 79-55 decision over USC and a 71-39 win over UCLA.
Defense has fueled the 3-0 Pac-12 start. So, too, has effective preparation.
“I sure love it. You don’t want to jinx yourself, but again, it’s a combination. Our coaching staff, not me, but our assistants with their scouting,” said Utah coach Larry Krytskowiak, who noted that DeMarlo Slocum had USC, Andy Hill had UCLA and Tommy Connor had Colorado. “They spent a lot of time in the film room trying to figure out what it is teams want to do, and we don’t always guard the same way. We’ll make a few adjustments. But it’s been a lot of fun trying to figure out how to stop people, and our guys are buying into it.”
The results prove it. Colorado shot 39.5 percent against the Utes, while the Trojans and Bruins connected on just 38.5 percent and 28.8 percent of their shots, respectively.
“It’s certainly not perfect, but it hurts when teams score. I know that you’re heading in the right direction when that’s the case with the basketball team, and we’re doing it collectively,” Krystkowiak said. “We added a few new wrinkles to our defense that are kind of new, and I think it’s kind of refreshing for guys to try to figure it out. It’s been great.”
Krystkowiak is especially fond of watching his team draw charges. It’s a favorite of his, and the players know it.
“If you take a charge on our team, you get a lot of praise. It’s just part of our defensive mentality, like closing out,” said senior guard Delon Wright. “Charges are things that our coaches definitely tell us to try and do.”
The Utes did several other things well against the Buffaloes. They forced 18 turnovers, including nine steals and four blocked shots. Colorado had trouble moving the ball effectively and finished with just five assists.
“You’ve got to give Utah credit,” said Colorado coach Tad Boyle. “They are a good defensive team.”
The Utes entered the game ranked in the top 15 nationally in scoring defense (55.5 ppg) and field-goal percentage defense (36.2 percent).
After opening its conference slate with three consecutive games in the Huntsman Center, Utah (13-2) now heads out on the road. The Utes visit Arizona State and Arizona next week.
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