Utah’s Deivon Smith had a career-high 24 points, along with nine rebounds and nine assists, to lead the Runnin’ Utes to an 80-77 victory over Oregon on Sunday at the Huntsman Center.
The Utes defeated the Ducks for the first time in 12 tries — and for only the third time in their Pac-12 era — and remained undefeated at home this season.
“It was an impressive night,” Utah’s Branden Carlson said. “It would have been better if Deivon got one more rebound and assist.”
“They’ve got to do a recount,” Smith replied.
Smith led five Utah players in double figures, as Cole Bajema scored 13 points, while Branden Carlson, Keba Keita and Ben Carlson added 12 each. Bajema also had nine rebounds.
Jermaine Couisnard led the Ducks with 26 points, and N’Faly Dante scored 23.
Utah (14-5, 5-3 Pac-12) showed poise in the final 12 minutes of play, knocking down 11 of 14 from the field while Oregon (13-5, 5-2) was 9 for 23 during that same stretch.
“We faced some adversity this week,” head coach Craig Smith said. “… We took care of business the other night and tonight we just found a way. We just found a way to win.”
Utah and Oregon committed a combined 15 turnovers in the first half. Utah went ahead early thanks to an 8-0 run after Gabe Madsen’s corner 3-pointer that forced Oregon to call a timeout with 13:55 on the clock.
“The last time we won was the year before I got here,” Branden Carlson said. “It’s good to get back on top here [during the] last season of playing them in the Pac-12.”
Utah is scheduled to visit Washington State on Wednesday, and Washington on Saturday.
