Turbulent Utah season hit its lowest point in loss at Baylor

There have been some terrible starts for Utah during a difficult season as first-year coach Alex Jensen tries to turn around his alma mater.

The talent level wasn’t what the Runnin’ Utes needed to compete in the Big 12 Conference after a roster overhaul, and it has led to the team finding itself consistently fighting from behind this season.

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The Utes hit their lowest of lows on Saturday, though, in their regular-season finale, a 101-76 loss at Baylor.

Utah’s defensive effort — or lack thereof — and another porous effort in protecting the ball culminated in the Utes’ most lopsided loss of the year at Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas.

“I’m fine with losing. Just the effort was frustrating and not what — they owe it to themselves and I think the university,” Jensen said in a postgame interview on ESPN 700 AM.

“… I think the first five minutes we replicated the same mistakes that we’ve had for the last two two weeks or so, unforced turnovers, and it’s hard to win or get better when you make the same mistakes over and over again.”

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Baylor’s offense met little resistance out of the gate, as the Bears made 21 of their first 25 shots and went on runs of 10-0, 12-0 and 10-0 again to go up 51-25 before taking a 20-point lead into the break.

The Utes (10-21, 2-16 Big 12), meanwhile, were careless with the basketball, giving up 10 first-half turnovers that led to 22 Baylor points, helping the Bears go into halftime up 53-33.

“We’ve talked about it all year long, don’t jump the pass, don’t get sped up,” Jensen said. “They had 22 points off our turnovers at halftime.

“Our margin for error’s small, and it’s hard to be in a game, let alone win a game, giving up 22 points off turnovers in a half.”

Baylor guard Isaac Williams drives on Utah guard Obomate Abbey during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Waco, Texas. | Rod Aydelotte

Utah guard Don McHenry attempts a shot over Baylor…

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Publish date : 2026-03-08 02:43:00

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