This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Last year, the lone reason Utah stayed in games is because they became very stingy on the defensive end.
On Friday night, Utah continued that, limiting anything Simon Fraser wanted to do when it had the basketball.
The second half was the kicker. The Utes limited Simon Fraser to 4-36 shooting from the field, and 13 overall points in the second half.
And on the other end, Utah was able to score. Whether or not this trend continues is one thing. But the Utes are off to a good start on that side of the ball.
"The defense is the thing that I'm most encouraged with," Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak said. I thought the inside guys got out in transition and got some baskets. Other than that, though, we still have a long way to go."
Cedric Martin led the way with five steals and four rebounds, often igniting fastbreaks with his anticipation and getting into passing lanes. Dallin Bachynski rebounded the ball and blocked shots.
The Utes smothered Simon Fraser and it allowed them to get out to a big advantage because of it.
Tony Jones