20 years ago: Utes clinch WAC crown by beating BYU

Some 15,426 fans filled the Huntsman Center to watch the University of Utah men's basketball team beat rival BYU, 81-74, and clinch the Western Athletic Conference championship.

As the Utes' players cut down the nets, their coach, Rick Majerus, was nowhere to be found.

"I wondered where he was," said Utah guard Craig Rydalch. "But I figured he wanted to leave us alone. He believes players win games. That's the sign of a great man."

When they left the court, they found Majerus waiting for them in the locker room. "Everybody in the shower!" he said, and everyone — players, managers and coaches — crowded into the showers, clothes and all.

"That's the nicest shower I ever took with 30 guys," said Majerus.

The win gives Utah a record of 24-2 overall and 13-1 in WAC play. The second-place Cougars fell to 16-11, 10-4.

Utah's Byron Wilson scored a career-high 25 points, Josh Grant had 17 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and a block and Walter Watts added 13 points and 11 rebounds in his final home game.

Shawn Bradley, BYU's 7-foot-6 freshman, finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks.