They didn’t blow a double-digit lead this time.
After Utah came roaring back for a thrilling 102-95 overtime victory last year, the Cougars made sure not to make that same mistake again as BYU cruised to a 82-64 victory Saturday night at the Marriott Center.
BYU now leads the all-time series 132-129, and has now won 14 of the past 19 meetings. Saturday marked the first game of a new four-year agreement that will keep the series running through at least 2023.
The Cougars dominated the Utes on both ends of the court as BYU outrebounded Utah 44-28 and also had 36 points in the point. The Utes had no answer for BYU’s Richard Harward, who finished with 15 points on 7-for-7 shooting to go with seven rebounds. BYU’s other post players, Matt Haarms and Kolby Lee, combined for 14 points, 8 rebounds and two blocks.
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Spencer Johnson had one of his best shooting performances of the season as the sophomore had 16 points, 6 rebounds and four 3-pointers. Former Ute Caleb Lohner finished with 10 rebounds and 8 points against his former team. Connor Harding had his best game of the season as he finished with a career-high 17 points.
Utah was led by Alfonso Plummer as the senior had a game-high 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 from downtown. Riley Battin added 14 points, but the Utes didn’t have anyone else score in double figures. For the game, the Utes shot just 36.4% from the field and 32.1% from beyond the arc.
Here’s how the media, fans and players reacted after the game:
Rockin into the night… @BYUCougars pic.twitter.com/idJw49hsw8
— Caleb Lohner (@caleblohner) December 13, 2020
Curly Mamba almost took someones life here. pic.twitter.com/Cw1zst84GM
— Boney Fuller (@boneyfuller) December 12, 2020
If Lohner finished that dunk Coach K was gonna enter the transfer portal
— BYU Hype Train Conductor (@joewheat27) December 12, 2020
Bounce back win for our guys. Love how our guys responded & competed tonight. #BYUhoops https://t.co/ieYqC47Eyu
— Chris Burgess (@chrisburgess34) December 13, 2020
BYU 40
Utah 27 (HT)Cougs double up their 1st-half scoring from Wednesday night v. Boise State.
BYU shot 59% from the field, 50% from the arc and 100% (3/3) from the FT line in the 1st half.
Utes: 31% FG, 36% FT, 67% FT.
BYU is 5-0 this season when leading at halftime.
— Greg Wrubell (@gregwrubell) December 12, 2020
BYU shot 59% from the floor and 50% from deep.
Cougars made 9 of their last 10 shots.
Closed the half on a 31-13 run..#Utes— Bill Riley (@espn700bill) December 12, 2020
1H assessment of BYU basketball: pic.twitter.com/fJYLI7mTqj
— Brandon Gurney (@BrandonCGurney) December 12, 2020
I sure hope we don’t pull a last year and give up our big 2nd half lead
— Ys Guide (@YsGuide) December 13, 2020
Timmy Allen just 2 shots and 1pt in the first half, that line needs to change in the 2nd half..#Utes
— Bill Riley (@espn700bill) December 12, 2020
Great first half from BYU basketball especially considering this counts for football* this year too ?
— Jonny Linehan (@jlinehan9) December 12, 2020
I don’t want to be dramatic but that was one of the best basketball games I’ve ever seen
— Jonny Linehan (@jlinehan9) December 13, 2020
Utah's best recruiting class since joining the PAC-12 and they lose by 18!
Now I see why Lohner transferred…— Kung Fu Kevy (@DJ_Kevy_Kev) December 13, 2020
Another incredibly easy W for Coach Pope and the boys. #GoCougs
— Boney Fuller (@boneyfuller) December 13, 2020
Utah Beats No. 21 Colorado 38-21; Ty Jordan And Britain Covey Shine In Win
— The ROC (@byuROC) December 13, 2020
BYU is incredibly well coached. All these kids play their asses off.
— Spence Checketts (@spencechecketts) December 13, 2020
Rylan Jones went from looking like 12 year old to looking like a 35 year old playing pick up at VASA in 2 months
— BYU Hype Train Conductor (@joewheat27) December 13, 2020
That Utah basketball game pic.twitter.com/2iIYTxc4xn
— Oaky Afterbirth (@DearOldCrimson) December 13, 2020
— Deck The Beard Cruisin Coug (@cruisincoug) December 13, 2020
I often wondered where the overwhelming confidence in their team stemmed from in many Y fans. Then I watched a half of basketball on BYUTV and everything is becoming clear.
That being said, kudos to the level of production.
— UteDaddy (@utedaddy) December 12, 2020
Utes got absolutely dominated tonight. BYU controlled from start to finish…Utes never really even threatened.
Going to be interesting to see how Larry addresses front court. Cause they are charmin soft.
— Utebuntu (@Utebuntu) December 13, 2020
BYU bench outscoring the Utah bench 34-10….
That's noticeably ugly in a game with a lot of ugly for the Utes.
— Vegas Ute (@VegasUte) December 13, 2020
Where does BYU find these white dudes who can’t miss from 3?
— foxonabox (@foxonabox_) December 12, 2020
Disappointing performance from the Runnin Utes
— Oaky Afterbirth (@DearOldCrimson) December 13, 2020
Have been for a long time.
— Ute Hub (@Ute_Hub) December 13, 2020
For a guy that cares about safety, he doesn’t really keep his mask over his nose.
— Boney Fuller (@boneyfuller) December 12, 2020
When you’re too busy to read the AirPods instructions. pic.twitter.com/fxCbG8MhwJ
— JOdY TO THE WORLD (@DJJazzyJody) December 13, 2020
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No. 18 BYU Defeats San Diego State — Here’s All The Best Reactions
