Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Any time you commit 17 turnovers, 15 alone in the first half, your chances of winning are pretty slim.
As well as they played defensively, the Runnin' Utes (9-10, 1-6 Pac-12) came up just short in a five point home loss to the Cal Bears Thursday night.
"We just watched film, and coach (told us) that was one of our best defensive games," Utah freshman forward Jordan Loveridge said at practice Friday.
The Utes held Cal to just 41% shooting, but were fighting an uphill battle most of the game after falling behind in the first half.
"One is effort - that is first and foremost. We have to limit turnovers. And in our home building we have to make shots. When we've done those things we've had a high level of success," Utah assistant coach DeMarlo Slocum
"You can't expect to turn the ball over 17 times and expect to beat anybody in the country," Utah assistant coach DeMarlo Slocum said.
"We came out flat, careless and we had too many turnovers. If you get down in a hole against a good team like that, its just hard to come out of," Utah freshman guard Justin Seymour said.
Friday at practice was a good chance for the team to work on some of its offensive sets that it struggled with against the Bears.
"Coming off a tough loss last night, we're already back in the gym working on things we need to improve on," Utah freshman forward Jeremy Olsen said.
The Runnin' Utes turn their attention now to Stanford in a first for Utah basketball - its first ever Sunday home game.
What are the keys for the Utes to come away with its second conference win?
"One is effort - that is first and foremost. We have to limit turnovers. And in our home building we have to make shots. When we've done those things we've had a high level of success," Slocum said.
Tipoff on Sunday is set for 7:00 pm at the Huntsman Center. The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.
