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Tempe, Ariz. • A rebound that Utah couldn't secure. The inability to keep Jahii Carson out of the lane when it counted. Three missed chances at the basket for the game-winning bucket.
In the next 48 hours, the Utes will wonder what could have been. They had many opportunities to defeat Arizona State, start the Pac-12 Conference season off with a statement win and head into Arizona with a bucket load of confidence.
As it is, Utah suffered a difficult-to-take 55-54 overtime defeat. The seasonlong narrative of not being able to close out games persists, and the Utes now head to Tucson to take on top-five Arizona with a second consecutive defeat starting them square in the face.
Quite a difference a basket makes.
"Obviously, Saturday isn't going to be the easiest task," Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak said. "But we have to move on from this. We have to move on to the next thing. I'm proud of the way the guys played tonight."
The Utes led 49-46 with a minute remaining, but couldn't get a stop, as Carson bombed a long 3-pointer to tie the game. In overtime, they finally took the advantage when Jarred DuBois made a big 3-pointer to give Utah a 54-53 advantage.
But Carson came down the middle and lofted a perfect teardrop over the outstretched hands of Washburn. That proved to be the game-winner.
"I played well statistically, but I missed easy shots that I normally make," Washburn said. "I let my man score quite a few baskets on me. I didn't get the one rebound that could've won the game. There are a number of things that we could've done as a team to get this win. We didn't do them."