In secret, turnovers were a problem for Utah’s basketball team last weekend. In public view, coach Larry Krystkowiak hopes to see improvement in that area.
The Utes will stage their only exhibition game Wednesday night, facing Division II opponent Texas-Tyler at the Huntsman Center. Utah competed in its annual closed scrimmage against a Division I team Saturday, hosting Boise State and losing “a one-possession game,” by Krystkowiak’s account.
The rest of his report focused on turnovers, with 30 percent of Utah’s possessions being wasted — and, even worse, several of them turning into easy baskets for Boise State. “That was really alarming,” Krystkowiak said. “I think the lion’s share of those can be fixed.”
When they held onto the ball, Krystkowiak liked how the Utes were able to score in transition.
The Utes have dealt with some injuries through five weeks of preseason practice, including Both Gach’s ribs and Rylan Jones’ ankle. Lahat Thioune and Mikael Jantunen collided, resulting in head injuries.
Beyond the health issues, consistency has been a problem. “We’ve had periods where somebody will shoot the ball and really get our attention as coaches for a week of 10 days,” Krystkowiak said. “And then I don’t exactly know if that person is getting complacent and thinking they’ve arrived, or if maybe their competition is grinding a little bit harder, but it’s really been hard for guys to stay consistent.”
The Utah women’s basketball team also will play an exhibition game, hosting Westminster College at 11 a.m. Thursday. Admission is free.
TEXAS-TYLER AT UTAH
At the Huntsman Center
Tipoff: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
TV: Pac-12 Networks.
Radio: ESPN 700.
Series history: First meeting.
About the Patriots: Louis Wilson, a former Utah State assistant coach under Stew Morrill and Tim Duryea, is making his coaching debut with Texas-Tyler. … The Patriots will play Friday at BYU, then return to Utah next week to open the regular season against Westminster College and Dixie State. … The school in east central Texas has completed a transition to NCAA Division II, after the basketball team went 8-17 last season. … Sophomore guard Darius Alford averaged 18.6 points.
About the Utes: Utah beat College of Idaho 96-76 in an exhibition game last season, when forward Timmy Allen made his Ute debut with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes. … Freshman guard Jaxon Brenchley, a returned missionary, has been the team’s best shooter in preseason practice, coach Larry Krystkowiak said. … Utah’s first regular-season home game is Nov. 8 vs. Mississippi Valley State, following next Tuesday’s opener at Nevada.
