Utah Basketball Captures Sunshine Slam Title With Win Over Tulsa
Nov 21, 2021, 7:29 PM
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah men’s basketball team kept their perfect season alive and won the Sunshine Slam with a 72-58 victory over Tulsa.
It’s the first MTE that Utah has won outside of Salt Lake City since 2008 when they took the Glenn Wilkes Classic in 2008. The Runnin’ Utes have won multi-team events three times since joining the Pac-12, including the Utah Thanksgiving Classic (twice) and the Global Sports Hoops Showcase.
Branden Carlson was named the MVP of the tournament. He finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds on Sunday afternoon. David Jenkins Jr. had 13 points, while Rollie Worster posted 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
"Finishing touches" 🙌
📺 https://t.co/H4XMUrvgsp pic.twitter.com/OwQA6gEjGA
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 22, 2021
Utah Gets Late Run In First Half
The game was looking like it was going to be a physical battle as the Utes struggled with turnovers that was mainly cause by bad passes. They finished the first half with seven turnovers. Fortunately, Tulsa only scored six points off of those turnovers.
Utah went on a 13-3 run late in the first half that helped them build a double digit advantage before the Golden Hurricane broke the drought. The Runnin’ Utes went to the locker room with a 33-24 halftime lead.
Lazar Stefanovic had a big half for Utah with seven points on 3-of-5 shooting from the field and 1-for-3 from downtown. Branden Carlson and David Jenkins Jr. each added six points apiece.
Utah shot 39% from the field and just 25% from the three-point line, while also attempting just four free throws. The Runnin’ Utes outrebounded Tulsa 26-14 in the half, including 9-3 on the offensive glass.
Mood: 🏆 #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/UUnFEz800l
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) November 22, 2021
Runnin’ Utes Hold Off Rally From Tulsa In The Second Half
Utah wasn’t flashy in the second half and they didn’t put Tulsa as they outscored the Golden Hurricane 39-34. Carlson and Both Gach led the way in the second half with nine points apiece. Jenkins and Worster each dropped seven points in the half.
Utah improved their shooting in the final 20 minutes, making 50% of their field goals. They still struggled at the three-point line, making just 3-of-11.
The Runnin’ Utes improved their record to 5-0 on the season. They will return to the Jon M. Huntsman Center to battle rival BYU on Saturday, November 27. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. MT on Pac-12 Mountain.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.
