This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Jordan Loveridge soaked it all in. His knees still wrapped with thick bags of ice, he stopped and talked extensively to a blind Utah fan. Then he did yet another television interview.

Following an 81-64 win over BYU on Saturday night at the Huntsman Center, Loveridge acted like someone who simply didn't want to leave the floor and go home. He envisioned this during his recruitment. A packed house, a big-name opponent and the biggest win of his career.

For one night, it all came to fruition.

"It's just a huge win for the program," Loveridge said. "The atmosphere, the fans. Since I've been coming here since middle school, we haven't had this kind of support. It's a great win for the program and it shows that Utah basketball is back. The program is headed in the right direction."

A nonconference schedule which was ridiculed as one of the weakest in the country seems almost forgotten now. For three seasons, Utes coach Larry Krystkowiak's searched for a program-defining victory. He may have it now. Yes, Utah defeated a nationally ranked Oregon team last season. Yes, the Utes have played the likes of Arizona and UCLA tough. But nothing is like beating a hated rival, and before Saturday night Utah hadn't gotten a win over the Cougars in seven tries.

"I got choked up looking at the student section," Krystkowiak said. "It was something I've dreamed about since seeing what we do at football. They were the heartbeat. When you have a crowd like that, it just gives you something."

Now that they have the signature victory, the challenge for Krystkowiak's team is to remain hungry, stay the hunter. The Utes will face Texas State on Thursday and St. Katherine next week. Barring a collapse, Utah will enter conference play with an 11-1 record.

Slowly, the identity of the Utes is coming into focus. They still play the smothering defense that Krystkowiak was known for. But they score much more, thanks to Loveridge and Delon Wright. Coming into the season, play at center was a big question. But the contributions of people like Dallin Bachynski and Jeremy Olsen have provided answers.

More importantly, Wright and Loveridge can compete with almost anyone in the Pac-12. As a result, the Utes have a chance to do damage once the conference season begins on Jan. 2 against Oregon.

tjones@sltrib.comon twitter: @tjonessltrib —

Texas State at Utah

P Thursday, 7 p.m.

TV • Pac-12 Networks