They missed BYU forward Jonathan Tavernari take an ill-advised, long 3-point shot with a minute left, then come back and score five straight points with key rebounds to seal the game.

They missed Jim Boylen's fire and passion that was almost good enough to get a leg up on the Cougars in the second half.

BYU's 67-59 win over Utah narrowed the Utes lead in the series to two games, 124 to 122. Drama.

The Mountain West cries out for exposure since leaving ESPN, a TV sports giant that doesn't mind hiding MWC scores and highlights.

The Mountain West begs for coverage that will enhance recruiting, help in national rankings and possibly lead to more than one or two NCAA Tournament berths.

That's why Wednesday's hidden stage by partners who should care and apparently didn't is so puzzling if not frustrating.

Failure to deliver a national audience in this, the 246th meeting of Utah and BYU is an insult to both schools, respected institutions of higher learning, their coaches and players. It is a slap in the face of basketball in this part of the country.

Welcome to the league's new motto: Why hide your light under a bushel basket when a thimble will do?

Wow, I love Goldie Hawn.

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com