The Utes started the second half 2-for-11 from the field and let the Rams cut the lead to 11 at 39-28 with 10:35 left.

However, Kepkay hit a big 3-pointer from the right corner and Brown added a layup and the Utes pushed the lead back to 20 before settling for the 15-point win.

"I'm happy with the way my team responded after a tough home loss without Luka Drca who is a creator and who makes plays for us," Boylen said. "Our defense was good again and the first half defense set the tone for the game."

The Rams were led by MWC leading scorer Marcus Walker, who scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting and was the only player in double figures.

"I was embarrassed," said Colorado State Tim Miles. "I want to see a team that executes and plays together, and I didn't see either of those things tonight."

The Utes play a home game against UNLV Wednesday night before heading back on the road for a game at Air Force Saturday afternoon.

GAME NOTES: The coaches for both teams wore sneakers as part of the Coaches Vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers awareness weekend ... Brown hit his first 3-pointer of the year in the first half after missing his only other attempt earlier in the season ... Nevill was just 1-for-6 from the field against the smaller Rams and finished with 8 points ... After shooting 26 percent from the field in the first half, the Rams improved to 40.8 percent for the game but were just 16.7 percent from 3-point range (3 of 18) ... Utah now leads the all-time series with CSU 97-42 ... The Utes and Rams play in Salt Lake on March 4.