This current batch of Utah Runnin’ Utes showed former players that they may have what it takes to return the program to its past days of glory, walloping Washington 86-61 Saturday on Alumni Night at the Huntsman Center.
Two nights after registering a career-high 28 points in a blowout of Washington State, Utes center Branden Carlson had 25 points and eight rebounds Saturday as Utah improved to 7-3 in Pac-12 play, 14-7 overall.
Washington fell to 4-6 and 12-9.
Rollie Worster came within a rebound of a triple-double, posting 11 points, 10 assists and nine boards. The junior had a shot at a 10th rebound in the final minute, but it went to Marco Anthony instead.
Anthony had a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards.
Here are 3 keys to Utah’s home win:
• Utah stayed hot shooting the ball, and led wire-to-wire against a Huskies team that was coming off an upset of Colorado on Thursday and had won three straight games. Utah finished shooting 51% from the floor.
• The Utes carved up Washington’s famed zone defense, forcing the Huskies to abandon that style and play more man-to-man defense. Utes guard Gabe Madsen found his shooting stroke after a couple of rough outings, and finished with 17 points on 7 of 13 shooting.
• Utah turned up the defense after a slow start, and held the Huskies to 35% shooting; Keion Brooks Jr. led Washington with 17 points, but needed 19 shots to get there.