The Utes closed out their 2024-25 non-conference schedule on Saturday with a 95-88 neutral court loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes. It was a tale of two halves, as Utah started strong but couldn’t maintain that momentum in the second half.
Here are the takeaways from the game:
Offense isn’t the problem
After another strong start with the Runnin’ Utes leading 40-36 at the half, poor 2nd half defense (allowing 59 points on 66% FG) and weak free throw shooting (64% in 2nd half) caused another game to slip away, despite the Utes shooting over 50%. This is the 3rd loss this season that they lost while shooting over 50%.
On the season overall, Utah has shot 48.9% (No. 6, Big 12) from the field and 37.9% (No. 5, Big 12) from three and averaging 86.7 points per game (No. 2, Big 12). They need to improve their free-throw shooting, averaging 64.5% from the stripe.
For the most part, the offense has stayed consistent all season long, but it likely won’t be enough to carry Utah in a loaded Big 12.
Career nights allowed Utah to stay in the game
When Gabe Madsen struggles, so do typically the Utes. He finished 3-7 from the field and 1-4 from long-distance, for nine points on the night. It was only his third game with less than double-figures with two of them coming in his last two games.
Despite an off night for Gabe, the Utes had career nights from both Lawson Lovering and Mason Madsen. Lovering finished with a career high 25 points and Madsen was one point shy of his career high with 24 points. Madsen went 6-11 from three-point range, however, the rest of the team went 1-10.
Defensive improvement needed against better opponents
Utah has to figure out their defense as conference play begins – this is a good team, especially offensively. However, to be a great team, and one that can compete in the Big 12, they’ve got to find a way to play strong defense for a full 40 minutes.
Utah does have strong defensive statistics for the season, but not when they play semi-competitive teams. They’re going to have to improve their defense significantly, including around the three-point line, if they have a true chance at being a serious threat for the top half of a strong Big 12 that has four teams in the AP Top 25 and another four just outside of it.
Up next
As this weekend ends, Utah is set for an extended Christmas break. The Utes will start Big 12 play on 12/31 at Baylor and finish at home against 2-loss Texas Tech.
