Utah Rallies Past Long Beach State in Season Opener

Utah erased a 17-point second-half deficit to defeat Long Beach State 66-63 in Salt Lake City on November 2. The Utes trailed 40-28 at halftime after committing 10 turnovers, which led to 18 points for the visitors. Long Beach State extended its advantage to 47-30 early in the second half before Utah began its comeback with a 10-0 run.

Utah later took control with a 15-2 stretch, moving in front 60-56. The Utes outscored Long Beach State 38-23 after halftime and limited themselves to five turnovers in the second half, though they finished with 15 for the game.

Campbell led Utah with 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Jackson Holcombe added 14 points and eight rebounds. McCaden Adams scored 21 points for Long Beach State, while Yohann Sissoko had 15.

Utah shot 51% from the field but made only 9 of 19 free throws. Long Beach State made 10 of 25 three-point attempts, compared with Utah’s 5 of 17. The Utes held on in the closing seconds after Long Beach State missed a final three-point attempt; Campbell secured the rebound.

Utah coach Alex Jensen said the team needed to correct repeated mistakes, while praising Long Beach State’s effort. Utah next hosts Towson on Thursday. Long Beach State visits Montana State on Saturday.