Utes lose late decision to Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. — Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak wasn't kidding.

After Thursday's narrow loss at Arizona State, Krystkowiak vowed that the Utes were going to continue to "fight and battle, scratch and claw."

Such was the case in Saturday's 70-61 loss to highly touted Arizona in the McKale Center.

In a script that Rocky Balboa would appreciate, the Utes went toe-to-toe with the Wildcats — delivering some big blows, weathering a comeback and then almost going the distance.

In the end, though, it wasn't quite enough.

Nick Johnson broke a 61-61 tie on a 3-pointer with 1:24 remaining and Arizona added six free throws down the stretch to claim the Pac-12 victory.

Utah led most of the way, including a 61-58 edge with 5:42 to go, but was outscored 12-0 the rest of the way.

The Utes held a 33-25 halftime lead and held 13-point advantages three times in the first half. The Wildcats, meanwhile, got off to a sluggish start. They missed nine of their first 10 shots.

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