TAKEAWAYS: No. 6 Houston Outlasts the Runnin’ Utes, 76 – 66

The Runnin’ Utes brought their A-game against the No. 6 Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the Charleston Classic, but unfortunately came up short with a 76-66 loss. Despite the defeat, there were several positive takeaways.

Here are the key highlights from the game:

Madsen’s Remarkable Progress

Utah’s sharpshooter, Madsen, displayed significant growth in the 2023-24 season. Once labeled as a 3-point specialist, he has transformed into a versatile player capable of taking over a game. His offseason dedication is evident in his improved size and physicality. Against Houston, Madsen achieved a career high of 29 points, highlighting his expanded skill set. If he can consistently score in the high teens or low 20s, alongside Branden Carlson, they will form a formidable duo for Utah.

Missed Player Contributions

Utah was missing key players like Will Exacte, Deivon Smith, and Keba Keita, who could have made a difference in the matchup. The absence of these players affected Utah’s depth, allowing Houston to dominate in the paint. However, the return of Exacte and Keita, along with Smith’s eligibility, will provide substantial support for the team in the future.

Spirited Performance

Despite the loss, the Runnin’ Utes demonstrated resilience, taking an early lead and engaging in a back-and-forth battle with Houston. Even when down by 14 points in the second half, Utah fought back and briefly tied the game before the Cougars regained control. The Utes’ competitive spirit against a tough opponent bodes well for their future performances.

Upcoming Matches

Utah will conclude the Charleston Classic with a game against St. John’s, followed by a road game against St. Mary’s on November 27th, after the Thanksgiving break.