Utah measuring incremental improvement as it prepares to host Sam Houston

Utah is showing improved efficiency and more confidence on offense heading into Saturday's clash with Sam Houston in Salt Lake City.

The Utes (3-0) committed a season-low six turnovers in an 87-69 victory over Holy Cross on Monday night. They shot 53.3% from the field and outscored the Crusaders 44-26 in the paint. Terrence Brown led the way with 21 points.

For Utah, it represented a step forward after struggling with shooting accuracy during an earlier overtime win against Weber State.

First-year coach Alex Jensen points to a stronger commitment to playing tough defense as a catalyst for the offense. Indeed, Utah pulled away from Holy Cross after allowing the Crusaders to shoot just 29.4% from 3-point range after halftime.

"I always say, ‘If you're struggling shooting, instead of talking about shooting or taking more shots, go rebound, go defend,'" Jensen said Monday. "And, usually, it's funny how that helps you with your shooting."

Jensen is undefeated in the Huntsman Center as a player and coach, winning 59 games during his playing career under Rick Majerus and starting 3-0 this season.

The Utes are the second straight Big 12 opponent for Sam Houston.

The Bearkats (1-1) have had over a week off since falling 98-77 to then-No. 10 Texas Tech on Nov. 7. They struggled to contain the Red Raiders inside and outside. Texas Tech shot 50% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range. Kashie Natt had a double-double for Sam Houston, tallying 16 points and 11 rebounds.

This will be Sam Houston's second trip to Salt Lake City in four seasons. The Bearkats faced Utah on Nov. 17, 2022, and came away with a 65-55 win over the Utes. Qua Grant scored 20 of 22 points after halftime to help Sam Houston record its second victory over a power-conference opponent that season.

Sam Houston is 2-9 over against power-conference schools since the start of the 2022-23 season but has lost nine straight in that stretch.

--Field Level Media