Barefield Leads Utes Past GCU, 75-66

FULLERTON, Calif. – Thanks to a big night by Sedrick Barefield, the Utah Utes recovered from a loss to Hawaii the night before and defeated Grand Canyon 75-66 in the consolation round of the Wooden Legacy Tournament.

Barefield was terrific, finishing with a season-high 26 points on 9-of-16 points with four 3-pointers made.

After a tough loss to Hawaii the night before in the tournament, the Utes rolled out to an early 10-2 lead. They would go on to build what was at most a 16-point lead midway through the first half before Grand Canyon cut the lead to six at halftime.

Utes up 10 to 2 in the first half. #GoUtes🏀🔴 | #WoodenLegacy pic.twitter.com/8obQ5cXpAy

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 24, 2018

Despite trailing all night, Grand Canyon built momentum and pulled with one point in the second half. Unfortunately for the Antelopes, Barefield closed the door with a pair of big 3-pointers. His play was highlighted by a four-point play with two minutes remaining to put the Utes up by 12 to basically secure the win.

Sedrick Barefield for THREE!

UTAH 51
GCU 47#GoUtes🏀🔴 | #WoodenLegacy pic.twitter.com/Vd8groiizJ

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 24, 2018

Donnie Tillman also chipped in 14 points and Both Gach added 10 of his own. Riley Battin contributed 10 points off the bench.

Utes WIN!😄

Final Score Utah 75, Grand Canyon 66. Utes will play Northwestern on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 11am PST / 12pm MST on ESPNU.#GoUtes🏀🔴 | #WoodenLegacy pic.twitter.com/D8bi8cF8Ea

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 24, 2018

The Utes will play in one more game in the tournament against Northwestern Sunday at noon. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.