Optimistic Predictions Poised -- Like Utes -- To Come Up Short
Well, so much for my optimistic prediction that the Utes could go 5-3 through the second half of the Mountain West Conference season.
To do that, the Utes would have to go 3-1 over their last four games -- and that hardly seems likely, considering three of those games are on the road and that for whatever improvements they might have made from last season, the Utes remain a team that just doesn't know how to win a close game.
Sad, but true.
The Utes have won only one close game this season, and the argument that they achieved that victory at Cal luckily when forward Shaun Green threw in a desperation floater in the final seconds is growing stronger with each subsequent late-game catastrophe.
Lost by two at Gonzaga. Wilted down the stretch and fell in overtime at San Diego State and New Mexico. Fouled up the final possession at home against Brigham Young and Wyoming, and again against the Lobos.
This team just as bad in the clutch as it was last year.
Maybe even worse, point guard Tyler Kepkay has been at the center of far too many of the shortcomings -- making many fans wonder why coach Jim Boylen hasn't followed guard Lawrence Borha's suggestion a few weeks ago that the Utes give someone else a chance with a tight game on the line.
Instead, Boylen has explained after various close losses that other players -- guard Johnnie Bryant in the game at New Mexico, for example -- could not get the ball in crucial situations because of the defense. And I'd have to imagine that opposing coaches have long since decided that forcing Kepkay to beat them is a smart gamble.
What it all means is that the Utes, seems to me, will be fortunate to split their last four games -- at TCU, Wyoming and UNLV, with the home finale against winless Colorado State in between -- and finish 8-8 in the league standings. That probably would be good enough for the fifth seed in the conference tournament, meaning that if the Utes win their first-round game -- likely against San Diego State -- they probably would get a rematch with rival Brigham Young in the semifinals.
At that point, though, they would have to hope for a blowout, since winning a close game seems yet beyond their reach.
To do that, the Utes would have to go 3-1 over their last four games -- and that hardly seems likely, considering three of those games are on the road and that for whatever improvements they might have made from last season, the Utes remain a team that just doesn't know how to win a close game.
Sad, but true.
The Utes have won only one close game this season, and the argument that they achieved that victory at Cal luckily when forward Shaun Green threw in a desperation floater in the final seconds is growing stronger with each subsequent late-game catastrophe.
Lost by two at Gonzaga. Wilted down the stretch and fell in overtime at San Diego State and New Mexico. Fouled up the final possession at home against Brigham Young and Wyoming, and again against the Lobos.
This team just as bad in the clutch as it was last year.
Maybe even worse, point guard Tyler Kepkay has been at the center of far too many of the shortcomings -- making many fans wonder why coach Jim Boylen hasn't followed guard Lawrence Borha's suggestion a few weeks ago that the Utes give someone else a chance with a tight game on the line.
Instead, Boylen has explained after various close losses that other players -- guard Johnnie Bryant in the game at New Mexico, for example -- could not get the ball in crucial situations because of the defense. And I'd have to imagine that opposing coaches have long since decided that forcing Kepkay to beat them is a smart gamble.
What it all means is that the Utes, seems to me, will be fortunate to split their last four games -- at TCU, Wyoming and UNLV, with the home finale against winless Colorado State in between -- and finish 8-8 in the league standings. That probably would be good enough for the fifth seed in the conference tournament, meaning that if the Utes win their first-round game -- likely against San Diego State -- they probably would get a rematch with rival Brigham Young in the semifinals.
At that point, though, they would have to hope for a blowout, since winning a close game seems yet beyond their reach.
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 4:07 PM |
2 Comments:
Sad comments but true Mr Lewis. Can you do all of us Ute fans a favor and next time you interview Jim can you ask him WHY does Tyler Kepkay always have the ball at the end of games? Serious question, why is Tyler Kepkay in at the end? Please, you can even blame it on me. Say "several Ute fans have emailed me and want me to ask you this question..." I just want an answer?
Thank you and Go Utes.
I would say Kepkay is in there because Drca isn't much better. It seems that Drca does 3-4 horrible plays for every 1 good play. Utah is in desperate need for a true PG....still.
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