Utah Utes basketball: No time to stew after embarrassing loss

Following an embarrassing 80-79 loss to Southwest Baptist in its regular-season opener, the Utah men's basketball team is anxious to get back on the floor and prove that it is a better team than it showed Saturday.

The Utes don't have to wait long.

They play Wisconsin-Green Bay tonight at 7 at the Huntsman Center. It will be the season-opener for the Phoenix, who play in the Horizon League. The game is part of the Glenn Wilkes Classic, which continues for both teams this weekend in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Despite the unexpected loss Saturday, Boylen still feels positive about his team.

"I'm disappointed we lost, but I'm not discouraged by where we're going," Boylen said. "This level is about adversity, and we'll see how we respond. Every team is going to go through adversity, sometimes it's early, sometimes it's late. We've got to handle it."

In losing to the Division II Bearcats on Saturday, the Utes reverted back to a problem that plagued the team during Ray Giacoletti's last year as the Utes' head coach when they were one of the worst teams in the nation for 3-point defense. The Utes allowed 16 made 3-pointers, which is likely a record for a Ute opponent.

Boylen said most teams that make 16 3-pointers, like Southwest Baptist did, will win. He pointed out that "six or seven" were beyond the NBA 3-point line, farther out than the Utes usually guard their opponents. What really bothered Boylen were the 3s made in transition, and the Utes have worked on their defense for two days.

The Utes did have some bright spots in the opener.

Senior center Luke Nevill looked dominating at times with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while senior forward Shaun Green had a solid game with 15 points and nine rebounds in his first game off the bench. Utah's guard play was lacking, however, with Tyler Kepkay going scoreless after hitting a couple of early shots.

The Phoenix return all five starters from last year, led by Mike Schachtner, who averaged 15.8 points per game, and Ryan Tillema, who averaged 12.5 ppg and led the team with 53 3-pointers. Newcomer Chop Tang, a 6-foot-6 transfer from Eastern Arizona, has led the team with a 19 ppg average in two exhibition games this year.

"They're a very good offensive team," said Boylen. "They have a veteran coach and their system is in place. They play up-tempo with pressure defense. They're going to come in here ready to play."

After tonight's game, the Utes hit the road for a pair of games this weekend in the Glenn Wilkes Classic, against Mississippi on Friday night and Morgan State on Saturday.

Utes on the air

Utah (0-1) vs. Wisconsin-Green Bay (0-0)

Tonight, 7 p.m.

Huntsman Center

TV: none Radio: 700 AM

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