Utah Basketball: Utah Takes Down Duke 77-75 in Madison Square Garden

The Utah Runnin' Utes (9-2) beat the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils (9-2) 77-75 in overtime in Madison Square Gardens in New York City, N.Y. Utah was led by sophomore forward Kyle Kuzma and sophomore center Jakob Poeltl. Kuzma had 21 points and eight rebounds. Poeltl, who spent much of the game in foul trouble and fouled out in overtime, had 19 points and 14 rebounds, a career high. Utah seniors Jordan Loveridge and Brandon Taylor were both quiet until overtime. Loveridge hit four big free throws in overtime, and Taylor made a three to start OT.

Utah was in control for much of the first half, but two fouls forced Poeltl to sit until the second half and allowed Duke to pull within three, and Utah led 33-30 at halftime. Poeltl got a quick foul in the second half, and Duke when on a run, going up seven halfway through the second half, their biggest lead of the game. The Runnin' Utes battled back, and Utah had an opportunity to win the game in regulation, taking the final shot but missing the NBA depth three-pointer. Utah finally got to the line more in overtime and made most of their free throws. It seemed like in overtime Utah had the game won easily, but they continued to foul Duke in overtime and kept the Blue Devils in the game. They were up by six points with only 10 seconds left, but Utah fouled Duke freshman guard Luke Kennard on a three, giving him a four-point play. Utah then turned over the ensuing inbounds pass, giving Duke had the ball down two with only a few seconds left. Duke freshman forward Brandon Ingram missed his attempt to send the game to a second overtime, giving Utah the 77-75 win.

Duke only used seven players in the entire game. Kennard played well for Duke off the bench. he was the leading scorer in the game with 24 points. Ingram had 15 points, and junior guard Matt Jones had 18 points. Duke's leading scorer on the season, sophomore guard Grayson Allen was held to only seven points, though he was slowed by flu-like symptoms.

Utah's next game is at home against Delaware State (0-10) on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 7:00 p.m. MT.