Faced with a top 10 opponent and a national stage on Saturday, Utah competed well enough to win on most nights. But most nights aren’t against Arizona, and the visiting Wildcats handed the Utes their first home loss of the season.
As has come to be expected, Utah’s Delon Wright was sensational at both ends of the court and continued his campaign to be considered one of the best point guards in America. What has also come to be expected at times, though, is the lack of support he’s getting from two of Utah’s most important pieces.
Both Jordan Loveridge and Brandon Taylor have to give Utah more in big games, of which there will be many in the coming month.
Arizona is a difficult match up for most teams, due to their tremendous size, length and athleticism, but those are the types of teams you face when trying to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. There cannot be any more excuses if the Utah program hopes to take advantage of this season to its fullest extent.
Both Loveridge and Taylor have enjoyed big moments during their career in Salt Lake City. They’ve each made winning plays to secure important victories. They are both experienced and savvy veterans.
Unfortunately for them, the past means nothing when faced with the win or go home nature of March Madness. Past shots made or defensive stops gotten don’t bring a spotlight to your program during the most important time of the year.
Delon Wright needs help, and if he doesn’t get it, Utah could see much of their momentum from this season fizzle out in the Big Dance.
