Utah Utes basketball: Renan Lenz leads Utes in return to Brazil

SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil — The University of Utah men's basketball team won its first game of its trip to Brazil on Monday, defeating Div. II opponent Jacarei by score of 89-77.

The Utes' leading scorer was junior forward Renan Lenz with 18 points.

Lenz, a native of Santo Angeles, Brazil, felt right at home as he also added six rebounds in the victory.

Freshman forward Jordan Loveridge, a much-hyped recruit and the high school Player of the Year in Utah last season, nearly posted a double-double in his debut performances as a Ute. Loveridge finished the game with 12 points and a team-high nine rebounds.

LMU transfer Jarred DuBois dished out a team-high six assists as well.

The Utes will play their second game of the trip on Tuesday.