ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 2 Power Rankings
By Trevor Booth
9. Utah Utes
Led by senior Justin Bibbins a season ago, the Utah Utes were a difficult team to beat in the Pac-12. At 5-foot-8, he played with grit and unbridled spirit that forced teams to look past his size.
With Bibbins out of college, things are looking very different for the Runnin’ Utes. After losing its leader, Utah has had to replace his offensive production as well as intangibles.
Though early in the year, the two centerpieces of the team are guard Sedrick Barefield and forward Donnie Tillman.
A senior, Barefield showed flashes as coach Larry Krystkowiak’s go-to player last year, hitting a late-game three to force overtime against Arizona State last January. But now, it’s on Barefield to become the voice of reason for the Utes.
Through two games, Utah holds a record of 1-1, most recently losing 78-69 to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Utes unveiled a 2-3 zone on Monday that was occasionally effective before Minnesota freshman Gabe Kalscheur proved to be the solution to Utah’s enigmatic defense, draining five 3’s for a game-high 19 points.
The Utes offense struggled to operate with efficiency, shooting just 40 percent on the night while allowing Minnesota to shoot over a 50 percent.
They will have another chance to work out the kinks at home against Mississippi Valley State on Thursday.