Utah head coach Alex Jensen is rallying his team as the Runnin’ Utes embark on a challenging two-game road series in the Big 12, having recently suffered a close defeat to Cincinnati. The Utes faced a heartbreaking 69-65 loss on Sunday, during which they relinquished a five-point lead with under two minutes remaining. This sets the stage for their upcoming matchup against West Virginia on Wednesday.
The Utes bring a record of 9-16, with a disappointing 1-11 in conference play, into the game against the Mountaineers, who are currently 16-9 and sitting at 7-5 in the Big 12. With the game scheduled for 6:30 p.m. MST at the Hope Coliseum in Morgantown, it promises to be a significant test for Utah.
Despite the recent setbacks, there were notable positives from the loss to Cincinnati. The Utes managed to out-rebound the Bearcats, 40-30, displaying grit on the offensive glass (16-8). Jensen highlighted this effort, acknowledging the team’s struggle to match up against larger opponents throughout the season. However, critical lapses during crucial moments have hindered their ability to secure victories, as seen in their failure to grab a defensive rebound when it mattered most against Cincinnati.
As Jensen prepares his team for the challenge, he emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and maintaining an aggressive mindset. He believes that confidence is essential, especially when playing on the road. The Utes’ ability to execute a more consistent performance is critical as they face a West Virginia team vying for a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Looking ahead, West Virginia is keenly aware of the stakes, as losing to an underperforming Utah team could hurt their chances of tournament contention. They boast a solid defensive prowess, allowing just 63.8 points per game and having a top 25 ranking in defensive efficiency, especially at home.
Jensen continues to instill a shared belief in his players, urging them to embrace aggression rather than shying away from potential mistakes. He challenges them to approach each game with the mindset of being capable of winning if they play to their full potential. As the Utes face this crucial road contest, both the players and coach recognize the opportunity to build from their hard-fought efforts and grow as a team, even amidst adversity.