Utah Hosts Texas Tech in Big 12 Basketball Showdown

Utah hosts Texas Tech on Saturday, and following a hazy debut to Big 12 basketball, they hope to regroup. Struggling on offense with poor performance from key starters, the Utes (8-4, 0-1 Big 12) dropped 81-56 in their conference opening at No. 25 Baylor.

Utah Coach Craig Smith said, "We weren't good enough," following the loss. "You have to play really good, tough-minded basketball; we weren't."Gabe Madsen, Utah's top scorer, was restricted to only three points on 1-of- 7 shooting; other starts like Ezra Ausar and Lawson Lovering also suffered. 

Hunter Erickson gave a spark with 13 points off the bench, but it was unable to keep pace with Baylor.After an 87-83 home loss to UCF, Texas Tech (9-3, 0-1 Big 12) likewise aims at atonement. 

Although the Red Raiders displayed offensive potency, their defense failed them down; an area coach Grant McCasland stressed areas that needed quick improvement."It's ridiculous to let a team enter our place and score 87 points," McCasland remarked. "We have lot of growing up to do."

Still, Texas Tech's tenacity was evident as they rallied from an 18-point deficit late in the second half. Starting with Utah, the Red Raiders are currently on a two-game road trip headed to BYU on Tuesday.

Saturday's game is turning out to be a crucial early-season Big 12 contest since both teams are eager for a victory and want to correct clear flaws.

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