The fans who came out to see the Utah basketball team play a ragtag bunch called the California West All-Stars Friday night had the opportunity to sit back, relax and see how all the new players meshed with the guys from last year's NCAA runnerup squad.

Actually they got all that and something they hadn't planned on - an exciting basketball game.After watching the Utes cruise along for 90 minutes or so, the fans had to sit on the edge of their seats for the final minute while the Utes hung on for an 89-85 victory. While the tense win elicited a few screams and shrieks from the half-filled Huntsman Center, it barely drew a yawn from Ute coach Rick Majerus.

"We had a long day at school, a three-hour practice and a tough game tonight," he said. "We were tired and I think fatigue set in a bit at the end."

Majerus was content to let two of his best players, all-American candidate Andre Miller and forward Alex Jensen, sit out for the last 12 minutes of the game, while allowing four new players plus Hanno Mottola finish the game.

A 24-point lead with 14 minutes left gradually melted as the quicker California team started causing turnover after turnover, mostly against Adam Sharp, who is trying to learn the point guard position as Miller's backup.

Two straight turnovers, by Sharp and Mottola, allowed the All-Stars to cut the lead to 86- 83 with 1:01 left, which got Majerus' attention and he called time out. This time the Utes broke the press and Sharp was fouled, making one of two fouls shots.

Then after Andy Bostick missed a 3-pointer for the All-Stars, Utah's smallest player, 5-11 Ben Heusser, fought for the loose ball and then added a layup a few seconds later to sew things up.

"Sharp actually did a good job - I was more upset with our blockouts and defense," said Majerus. "We're just kind of working our way through it. We haven't worked against a press more than one time this year."

In the first half, Miller and Jensen looked particularly sharp as they combined for 26 of Utah's 47 points as the Utes took a comfortable 47-27 lead.

Miller and Jensen played just a few minutes in the second half, but Miller still ended up as the leading scorer with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting with seven assists, while Jensen scored 11 points and led all rebounders with 10.

JC transfer Jeremy Killion started at the off-guard spot and played well with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Sharp scored 14 points and Mottola added 13.