Utah Tech trailed by neither a significant margin nor enjoyed a substantial cushion for much of the contest against Tarleton State, as evidenced by the tied score at halftime. The Trailblazers and the Texans were deadlocked at 32-32 after twenty minutes of play, setting the stage for a closely contested second half. Utah Tech ultimately emerged victorious, outscoring Tarleton State 48-40 in the second half to secure an 80-72 win.
The eight-point margin of victory suggests that the difference between the two teams was relatively slim, with Utah Tech's slight advantages in the second half proving decisive. Given the narrow gap in the NET rankings, with Utah Tech at 164 and Tarleton State at 209, the outcome is not entirely surprising. The Trailblazers' ability to outperform the Texans by a small margin in the second half was enough to separate the two teams and earn the win.
Utah Tech's top performers played a significant role in the team's 80-72 victory over Tarleton State. Chance Trujillo and Jusaun Holt led the team in scoring with 19 points each. Trujillo also contributed 10 rebounds and 4 assists, while Holt added 5 assists and 3 rebounds. Trujillo's outside shooting was notable, as he made 5 of 9 three-point attempts. Holt, on the other hand, was efficient from the free-throw line, converting 8 of 9 attempts.
Ethan Potter was another key contributor for Utah Tech, scoring 17 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. He also recorded 2 blocks, highlighting his defensive presence. Potter's shooting percentage was impressive, as he made 7 of 10 field goal attempts. Overall, the performances of Trujillo, Holt, and Potter were instrumental in Utah Tech's win, with each player bringing a unique combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking to the table. Their collective effort helped Utah Tech secure the 8-point victory over Tarleton State.
Jordan Mizell's well-rounded performance was a highlight for Tarleton State, but ultimately fell short of what was needed to secure a victory. He recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, demonstrating his versatility on the court. However, his shooting efficiency was somewhat inconsistent, converting only 40% of his field goal attempts.
Kaia Isaac's hot shooting from beyond the arc was a notable aspect of his game, as he made four of his eight three-point attempts. However, his lack of defensive rebounding and limited overall impact on the glass limited his overall effectiveness. Isaac's 13 points were a decent contribution, but not enough to offset Tarleton State's overall struggles. Freddy Hicks provided a solid supporting effort with 11 points and 8 rebounds, but his shooting was similarly inconsistent.
The supporting casts for both Utah Tech and Tarleton State largely stuck to their season averages, with no significant deviations in performance from other key contributors.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The pre-game prediction of a 3-point Utah Tech victory proved correct, as the Trailblazers ultimately won by 8 points. While this outcome was anticipated, the margin of victory was wider than expected. Upon closer examination, it's clear that Utah Tech's superior rebounding and shooting efficiency were the primary factors in their decisive win.
Utah Tech's ability to outrebound Tarleton State by a significant margin, coupled with their impressive eFG%, suggests that they were able to dictate the tempo and control the flow of the game. The Trailblazers' 36.7% OREB rate, a notable increase from their season average, speaks to their ability to secure key rebounds and limit Tarleton State's second-chance opportunities. Meanwhile, Utah Tech's high eFG% indicates that they were able to score efficiently from both inside and outside the arc, making it difficult for Tarleton State to stay within striking distance.
For Utah Tech, this Quad 3 win bolsters their NCAA Tournament resume, but its impact is tempered by their lack of victories against stronger opponents. With a NET ranking of #164, they may still face an uphill battle in securing a postseason berth, but this win keeps them in the conversation. A Quad 1 or 2 victory will be crucial for seeding purposes, as they currently sit outside the top 16 in the NET. For Tarleton State, this Quad 4 loss further erodes their NCAA Tournament hopes, and their NET ranking of #209 now puts them at risk of being left out entirely. With only one Quad 2 win and no Quad 1 victories, their chances of making the tournament are dwindling, and they may find themselves on the outside looking in. This win by Utah Tech could potentially be a difference-maker come Selection Sunday.