Following Utahs 69-51 loss to Arizona, the discussion got around to how much was lost in the drubbing.
Quite a bit, at least in the short term. Theres no way to say a loss is better than a win, even if it resets your priorities.
In the long term, though, maybe it wasnt such a big deal. A reporter asked Krystkowiak about getting punched in the mouth by the Wildcats.
Photo Scott Winterton Deseret NewsIts a long dang season, Krystkowiak said. Nothing was lost, but getting back to the gentlemans comment about getting punched in the mouth, its a marathon and were just beyond halfway, I think 17 games down, 13 to go. If nothing has been accomplished, then how can you say anythings been lost?
Thats coach talk. They have accomplished some great things so far and they lost a chance to do even greater things. However, the defeat doesnt put them any further down the pecking order than they already were at seasons start. They were picked to finish second in the Pac-12.
Despite being ranked above Arizona, did anyone really think the Utes were the best team in the Pac-12 (Sean Miller notwithstanding)?
Utah can still contend for the conference regular season title, if it beats Arizona in Salt Lake. It can still have a nice NCAA tournament run. Its just that the expectations are a bit more realistic than they were a few days ago.