Branden Carlson scores 30 on senior night as Runnin' Utes thump Bears 88-59

SALT LAKE CITY — The emotions of senior night didn't impact fifth-year senior Branden Carlson Saturday night; if anything, it energized him.

The South Jordan native made his presence known early to help the Runnin' Utes control a double-digit lead for much of the first half behind a 17-point, six-rebound, two-block effort in the opening half from the veteran big.

That didn't stop in the second half, either.

Carlson added to his total in the second half to closeout his collegiate career at the Huntsman Center with a game-high 30 points, including 4-of-6 from behind the arc, 10 rebounds and four blocks — to add to his already school record total — to lift Utah to a 88-59 win over the visiting Golden Bears.

Utah (18-11, 9-9 Pac-12) had no answer for Carlson, and he knew it.

"It's his last game in the Hunstman and it means something to him," Utah head coach Craig Smith said. "I mean, that dude's a fifth-year guy here, growing up in this state. It just means a little bit more, and he played like you expect that kind of guy to play."

"It feels good," Carlson said before the emotions of the day caught up to him. "It's uh, I get emotional but — last game in the Huntsman Center, and I love this program and my time here. Just to be able to get another win with this team, knowing that we've still got more to go and accomplish is all I can ask for.

"I'm so thankful for the fans and coaches, and everyone who's been a part of this journey. It's just gonna be a tough adjustment leaving here after this year."

Utah built up a 29-point lead in the second half behind Carlson's dominant effort and never looked back to earn another win and to help the team's hopes of a potential NCAA Tournament berth as a current bubble team in need of some work.

"We did a really good job of following our game plan, making life hard on them," Smith said. "Of course, they're gonna hit some shots — you have some really talented guys — but I just thought we played super connected."

Fresh off his third triple-double game of the season, Deivon Smith added to the Utah charge to keep the home team the aggressor, while also providing 18 points, 10 assists and four rebounds in the win. Gabe Madsen added 17 points, including four 3-pointers, four rebounds and four assists.

Former Utah Valley big Fardaws Aimaq finished with 15 points and five rebounds for the Golden Bears (13-17, 9-10 Pac-12), and Jalen Cone added a team-high 19 points, four rebounds and three assists for a budding Bears team under former Utah Valley coach Mark Madsen.

Midway through the first half, California starter Keonte Kennedy was ejected from the game with a Flagrant 2 foul after he was seen punching Hunter Erickson below the belt while the Utah player was defending him.

It served as a sort of galvanizing moment for the Utes, who maintained the double-digit lead for the duration of the game.

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