Pac-12 All-Stars roll with defense in second Chinese exhibition

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Before leaving for China with the Pac-12 All-Stars, coach Larry Krystkowiak said he wanted his team to emphasize energy and defense.

The team achieved that in their exhibition against a Chinese pro team, beating the Jiangsu Dragons 85-63, a Utah release announced Thursday morning. Arizona State guard Bo Barnes led the team with 18 points, and Ute forward Jordan Loveridge had 13 points and four rebounds.

The All-Stars took over in the second quarter, outscoring the Dragons 25-8 during the period. While Jiangsu stats were not available, the All-Stars shot 47 percent from the field.

The Utah staff is coaching the team, and Krystkowiak implemented a defense-based sub rotation for the game, according to the release. Every time the Dragons scored seven points, Krystkowiak subbed out all five players on the floor with new faces.

Last month, Krystkowiak described the tactic as one former Arizona coach Lute Olsen used when Krystkowiak was a player on similar trips abroad. Apparently it worked for his team as well.

Utes Brandon Taylor finished with 7 points, and Jeremy Olsen had 4 points.

The All-Star team is 2-0 so far in China, after getting a win over the Chinese University All-Stars 73-47 on Wednesday. The team faces its final challenge, against the Yao Ming-owned Shanghai Sharks, on Saturday.

Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon