Utah is tied with Cincinnati for the worst overall record in the conference.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes forward Ibrahima Traore (31) looks to catch a pass as Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) defends during the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona Wildcats in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
In his first game coaching against a conference opponent, Alex Jensen got a taste of how hard it is to win in the Big 12.
Utah dominated No. 1 Arizona 97-78 in the conference opener at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on Saturday. The closest the Runnin’ Utes got to within eight points twice, but the Wildcats pulled away each time.
“I think we played hard,” Jensen said. “Like I said at the beginning of the game. I think we’re a little nervous, hesitant and afraid to make mistakes. But I give credit to our guys. They never give up.”
Still, the Runnin’ Utes are now 8-6 on the season, tied with Cincinnati for the worst overall record in the Big 12.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes head coach Alex Jensen watches the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Salt Lake City.
15. worst
It’s been a rocky road for Jensen and his crew since Craig Smith took over last March.
Utah dropped non-conference games to Washington, Cal, Mississippi State, Grand Canyon and California Baptist. According to ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index, the Runnin’ Utes have the worst ranking in the conference.
That could be a bad sign coming into the grueling Big 12 schedule coming up for the Runnin’ Utes. But striker Keanu Dawes is encouraged by where the team is at.
“I think we’re in a good place, but not exactly where we want to be,” Dawes said. “As I mentioned the point in the game when we got down to eight, I think that’s the type of team we can be all the time, but we’re not there consistently.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) looks to go past Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awak (30) during the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona Wildcats in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Jensen said finding consistency starts with creating a strong defensive identity. Utah’s defense is currently the 15th worst unit in the entire conference.
“I say it all the time,” Jensen said. “I think everybody on our team has to see themselves as a defensive player first, which is not the easiest thing because a lot of them, you know, haven’t had to do that. That’s what gives you a chance in these games.”
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd praised the effort of Utah and Jensen after the game.
He also shared his thoughts on what it takes to succeed in the Big 12.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) drives to the basket as Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) defends during the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona Wildcats in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
“I think everybody has to figure that out for themselves,” Lloyd said. “I think Alex and Wes. [Wilcox] they are really smart basketball players. They are great people. And I know this program has great resources and a great community.”
The road ahead for the Runnin’ Utes could be tough this season. But they still take some positives from Saturday’s beating.
At least “not every team in the Big 12 is Arizona,” guard Terrence Brown said.
“We haven’t played a team like this all year,” Brown said. “Obviously we put up a lot of points. So it’s really just about getting … better defensively.”
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