Utes snap losing streak with rockin' win

ROCKHAMPTON, Australia — The University of Utah men's basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday, defeating the Rockhampton Rockets of the Australian Basketball Association, 92-71.

Junior center Luke Nevill led the charge for Utah with 34 points and 11 rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting. Senior guard Johnnie Bryant also had a solid night, tallying 17 points and seven rebounds.

Rockhampton native Stephen Weigh, playing in front of a large contingent of family and friends, added 15 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, including nine in the first half.

"I thought he had great energy tonight," coach Jim Boylen said of Weigh. "I'm really proud of his 14 rebounds. I have been challenging him to get more boards and become a complete player."

The Runnin' Utes got out to a quick start and never looked back. Leading 48-32 at the end of the first half, the team pulled ahead by as many as 27 points in the fourth quarter before cruising to the 21-point victory.

With five games played in the last six days, the Utes are taking Thursday off. The final game of the trip will be Friday against the defending NBL Champion Brisbane Bullets, who will be making the trip to Rockhampton.

"I'm thankful for the off day tomorrow, but I'm looking forward to playing against the NBL champions from Brisbane," said Boylen. "It will be a great opportunity to play against the best team in the country and see where we stack up."