Utes played quite well, despite the loss

Some Ute fans might be wringing their hands over still another loss, this time to in-state challenger Weber State.
The Utes did lose the game and blow another large first-half lead, but as one of the only persons outside of the coaching staff and players to see every game, I thought it was perhaps the Utes’ best overall game of the season.
They shot well — 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from 3-point range and 77 percent from the line — only had 10 turnovers for the game and played good defense for the most part. The difference in the game, according to coach Jim Boylen was the Wildcats outhustling his Utes for key loose balls in the second half. And rebounding, as the Utes were out-boarded 35-30.
Despite the loss, the Utes have a lot to be encouraged by. Kim TIllie had perhaps his best overall game as a Ute, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. David Foster was a beast in the middle, blocking a school-record 10 shots. Carlon Brown played under control for the most part, for the first time all season and finished with 6-of-10 shooting.
Not having Jason Washburn, who missed the game because of the effects of a concussion suffered Saturday night in the pre-game layup line, hurt the Utes, who had to use Tillie and Jay Watkins in the post backing up Foster.
The Utes ought to win Saturday against Idaho State, but then they’ll have three tough games coming up against Michigan, Oklahoma and unbeaten Illinois State.