SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has lost three conference games already this season, but looks can be deceiving. The Utes have a tendency of playing up to the level of their competition, with their biggest loss margin of three points coming last week against Washington State.
Through one half of play at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, Utah’s product has been far better than that of UCLA’s to the effect of a 36-26 halftime lead.
The Utes opened up the game on a 9-4 scoring run before 10 points in the first 10 minutes by sophomore guard/forward Kyle Anderson ignited a 14-6 scoring run that gave the Bruins a three-point lead with 11:08 to play.
From there, UCLA went ice cold on offense and allowed a large company of Utah scorers to find the bottom of the net, with the Utes’ lead growing to as large as 12 with 5:53 to play.
The Bruins’ leading scorer heading into the game, sophomore guard Jordan Adams, failed to see much of the floor in the first half, as two quick fouls required the relief of freshman guard Zach LaVine with 16:09 to play. Adams was without a field goal at the half.
A dysfunctional UCLA offensive unit is led by Anderson, who has made 13 points so far this game after scoring just six on Thursday against Colorado. Redshirt senior forward Travis Wear has five points.
Brandon Taylor leads all Utah scorers with 10 points, adding two assists. The Bruins are shooting 31 percent from the field, compared to a 48 percent showing for the Utes.
Compiled by Andrew Erickson, Bruin Sports senior staff.