Runnin’ Utes blow out Mississippi Valley State 91-51

The Utes have started the season 2-0 after a win over Mississippi Valley State Monday night at the Huntsman Center. We saw a lot of good things from the Utes, who were without Sedric Barefield, who was ill, and Jayce Johnson, who has been out with a foot injury.

The player of the night for the Utes was Gabe Bealer, who put in 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, with six of those coming from the three point line. Bealer played great, and of course, had a career high in points. Hopefully Bealer can keep up being this kind of outside threat, because I think the Utes are going to need it. Bealer has shown some flashes over his career, and here’s to hoping this is his breakout season. Justin Bibbins also had a nice night with 9 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and just the 1 turnover. If Bibbins can be that true point guard that Utah has been missing since Delon Wright, that will be a big deal going into conference play.

A couple of the youngsters looked good tonight, including Donny Tillman, who was 4-of-6 from the floor with 12 points. Chris Seeley was a beast too, he’s going to be a welcome addition to the team, because he’s a bit of a bruiser in the paint, and isn’t scared to go and get the ball. He pulled in 12 boards on the night while adding 8 points. The turnovers were still a bit high for the team, with 16, so that is something that needs to be corrected as the season goes along, because that proved to be a bit of a bugaboo last season.

Overall, a good night for the Utes, some guys got some good run, and A guy like Bibbins was able to do a bit more with Barefield out.

Next up for the Utes, Missouri on Thursday night at the Huntsman Center.