Utah Basketball's Late-Game Woes Continue

Utah's basketball team is facing persistent challenges in closing out games effectively, a problem highlighted in their recent 79-72 loss to California. Despite a solid offensive performance that saw five players score in double digits, the Utes faltered in the final three minutes, managing only a single field goal. This offensive drought, marked by missed shots and turnovers, proved costly.

Head coach Alex Jensen has identified over-dribbling and a reluctance to pass as key issues plaguing the team's offense, particularly under pressure. He emphasized the need for players to learn to play without the ball and "pass in space" to improve offensive flow. This focus on execution in critical moments will be crucial for the Utes moving forward.

Their next opponent, Cal Baptist, has also encountered offensive difficulties during their recent road trip. While they put up a strong fight against Colorado, they suffered a significant loss to BYU, struggling to stop the Cougars and experiencing their own shooting slumps. This indicates a potential for a closely contested game if Utah cannot resolve its late-game scoring issues.