Utah’s losing streak extended to seven games in the most agonizing loss of that stretch Sunday morning, as the Runnin’ Utes fell to Cincinnati 69-65 at Fifth Third Arena.
Utah blew a five-point lead with 1:56 to play as the Bearcats scored the game’s final nine points, spoiling a gritty effort from the visitors.
Here are three takeaways from the loss that dropped the Utes to 9-16 overall and 1-11 in Big 12 play.
Utes outplayed down the stretch
The Utes looked like they were on their way to their second Big 12 Conference win after Keanu Dawes hit a fadeaway jumper to make it a 65-60 game with 1:56 remaining.
That was Utah’s final basket, though, as the Utes missed their opportunities down the stretch to earn the win.
Day Day Thomas scored on Cincinnati’s ensuing possession after the Bearcats grabbed an offensive rebound, then Terrence Brown missed the front end of a 1-and-1.
Baba Miller was fouled on the Bearcats’ next possession and hit both free throws to make it a 65-64 game, then Don McHenry missed a running jumper for Utah.
Cincinnati capitalized quickly, as Miller slammed home two points on a fast break dunk to give the Bearcats the lead at 66-65 with 40 seconds left.
Over the final 30 seconds of the game, Dawes missed a 3, Thomas hit two more free throws to make it 68-65, McHenry missed the front end of another 1-and-1, then missed a 3 after an offensive rebound and Jalen Celestine made 1 of 2 free throws to account for the final score.
That gave the Bearcats (14-12, 6-7 Big 12) their third-straight win.
Utah competed hard, but couldn’t overcome poor shooting
The Utes outrebounded Cincinnati 40-30, including 16-8 on the offensive end. That helped Utah own a 16-11 advantage in second-chance points.
Utah also was better from 3-point range, making 9 of 27 to 4 of 15 for the Bearcats. When Cincinnati built a nine-point first-half lead, that helped the Utes shoot their way back into the game.
Utah, though, had a tough shooting day overall, as they shot 36.1% from the floor and only 30.3% in the second half. The Utes made 12 of 15 free throws, but those final two misses were costly.
McHenry led four Utes in double-figures, as he had 18 points, five rebounds and three assists. He also had a team-high three 3-pointers.
Dawes added 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Brown (11 points) and Seydou Traore (10 points, five rebounds) also scored in double-figures.
Cincinnati was better in the paint and on fast breaks
Though the Bearcats were outrebounded by Utah, the Utes had a difficult time matching up with Cincinnati’s height, particularly from Miller and Moustapha Thiam.
Miller scored 14 points and added seven rebounds and three assists, while Thiam added 15 points and 10 rebounds.
They led the way as Cincinnati outscored Utah 32-16 in the paint.
The Bearcats were also better in transition, as they had a 12-4 edge in fast-break points, none bigger than Miller’s dunk with 40 seconds to play.
Thomas (16 points) and Keyshaun Tillery (10 points, three assists) also scored in double-figures for Cincinnati.