This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah basketball coach Jim Boylen isn't ready to give up on the idea of the Runnin' Utes really running, just maybe on the road.
After Saturday's successful trip to New Mexico, where the Utes won for the first time since 2002 when Chris Hines hit a game-winner, Boylen said he likes the idea of slowing down the tempo when the Utes are on the road.
The Utes committed a season-low six turnovers in the 62-60 win; they average 14 a game.
"Especially on the road, it's real important for us to play with less margin for error," Boylen said. "We shoot better and the crowds get into turnovers and it's about managing these bodies, slowing down for their legs."
The Utes, who host TCU on Tuesday at 8 p.m., have played much better with a slower tempo, something Boylen went to after a 71-62 loss at San Diego State on Jan. 8 "exposed some things," he said.
The Utes had 15 turnovers in that game, leading to 23 points for the Aztecs.
Boylen hesitated to say that perhaps the Utes should have gone to a slower tempo earlier in the season, noting the Utes beat Wyoming, New Mexico and TCU by pushing the ball.
However, he does like the fewer turnovers and believes this is a crucial time to slow down the offense because the length of the season tends to wear on younger players.
"The travel, the pressure of school, they're all still learning how to manage their time," he said.
Guard Josh Watkins, who had 15 points, four assists and two turnovers in the win over New Mexico, said the slower style suited him.
"When we tend to rush the tempo, that is when most turnovers come," he said. "We run good sets and we have guys who make plays, and when we slow it down, it goes real good."
Even though there are just three games remaining, the Utes don't feel the change is coming too late, particularly since they have a good chance of finishing in fifth place, thanks to the win over New Mexico.
"We have to continue to play good winning basketball," Boylen said. "We're getting healthy and we have them all coming back next year, so every minute of practice and in games is important."
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TCU at Utah
P Tipoff • 8 p.m.
TV • The Mtn.
Radio • 700 AM
Records • Utah (12-15, 5-8); TCU (10-18, 1-12)
Series history • Utah leads 15-4
Last meeting • Utah won, 75-62, Jan. 22
About the Utes • The Utes have won five in a row against the Horned Frogs. … Center David Foster needs one block to tie Luke Nevill's Utah career record of 205, set from 2005-09. … Will Clyburn had 22 points and Josh Watkins had 14 the last time the teams met. … Clyburn will be a game-time decision due to a heel bruise. … Foster missed practice Monday due to an illness in his family but will play.
About the Horned Frogs • They enter on a 10-game losing streak, with the last win Jan. 12 against Wyoming. … Guard Ronnie Moss leads the team, averaging 15.7 points. … They average just 68.2 points and 33 rebounds a game. … Hank Thorns had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists in the last meeting between the teams.
Other games Tuesday
• Weber State men at Idaho State, 7 p.m. Radio: 1430 AM
• Utah women at TCU, 5:30 p.m. TV: The Mtn.; radio 99.1 FM