Utah Utes at Washington State Cougars

Washington State holds off Utah for 49-46 win

The Cougars (8-8, 1/3 Pac-12) came back from a 12-point deficit for their first Pac-12 win.

"It was imperative we got a win at home. Washington State coach Ken Bone said. "It was our only home game out of the last four, you better win it, because it doesn't get any easier from this point forward," Bone said.

Washington State lost in overtime on Wednesday against Colorado. The Cougars were determined to make sure they closed out against Utah, who also lost a close one, 59-57, to Washington.

"You could say this was Washington State's defense, and it was good, but we have lost a couple down the stretch by not executing, so it rests on us," Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak said.

With 56 seconds on the clock, Delon Wright stole the ball from Johnson and went the length of the court for a dunk to pull the Utes within one, 47-46.

After an offensive foul on Johnson, Utah's Brandon Taylor traveled and put the ball back in the hands of Washington State.

"Strategically I believe in fouling, if it is under or around six seconds, and it was the right situation and it worked out," Bone said.

Wright had one more look at a three but missed short as time expired.

Cougars shot only 30 percent from the field in the first half. Utah took a 12-point lead as the Cougars once again struggled to find offense early. Washington State also played without leading scorer DaVonte Lacy, who is recovering from a rib injury.

Dakarai Tucker hit a jumper to start the second half, but Utes went cold did not hit a field goal for six minutes. Washington State capitalized and tied the game at 31 with 10:56 left.

Washington State's Dexter Kernich-Drew hit a long three at the top of the key, followed by a jumper to give the Cougars a 47-44 edge at 1:55.

Kernich-Drew scored nine-second half points and hit a late game three for Washington State (8-8, 1/3 Pac-12). D.J. Shelton had eight points and nine rebounds.

Jordan Loveridge scored 15 points and hit the only two 3-pointers for Utah (12-4, 1/3 Pac-12). Brandon Wright added 14 points for Utah, which shot a season-low 29.5 percent (13 of 44) from the field.

How can I watch Utah vs. Washington State?

• TV Channel: Utah at Washington State 2021 College Basketball, week 10, is broadcasted on PACN.
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