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Shortly before halftime Friday night, the Utes found both Jordan Loveridge and Delon Wright in foul trouble.
If it was a disaster scenario last year, this season it could be a bit easier to weather.
Utah's rotation players weren't lights out against Ball State, but they made the rougher stretches easier to carry. Wright played 29 minutes, Loveridge 27 minutes, and things didn't really ever spiral out of control in Utah's 90-72 win.
The Cardinals did keep the game competitive, but never were able to overtake Utah. And that gave Larry Krystkowiak a little relief as he noted the balance on his team: Four players wound up in double-digit scoring. He hoped that can take root in more games this year.
"It was balanced scoring, which is something we haven't seen," he said. "This is maybe the vision I have for our squad."
The balance comes thanks much in part to a post game: Utah has one. Jakob Poeltl and Chris Reyes made an immediate impact in their first starts, combining for 26 points and 15 rebounds. Poeltl in particular was adept at sweeping the boards against smaller Ball State opponents and cleaning up misses. Reyes' game appears more versatile - his jumper has some range - but his wider frame gives him the means to bump inside.
Having offensive presence inside meant things opened up on the outside. Brandon Taylor, Jordan Loveridge and Kenneth Ogbe each were able to knock down 3-pointers. Loveridge in particular benefits from the post game, because he can now play on the wing against players his size.
"We talked about it a lot at halftime that the ball has got to get inside," Krystkowiak said. "When that starts happening, low and behold things start opening up a little bit for perimeter guys. We had that balance for sure to throw it inside and hopefully we can continue that."
The pervasive question is if Utah can keep it up.
Free throw faltering
Getting to the free throw line 40 times in a night is great. Making only 26 of those isn't so good.
Poeltl knows as well as anyone: The freshman missed his first four free throw opportunities. Asked by a reporter if he thinks he's a better shooter than his 8-for-16 mark against Ball State, he answered quickly in the affirmative.
"I was a bit nervous in the beginning, that's the main reason I missed those first four free throws," he said, looking a bit sheepish. "It got a little bit better."
Last year the Utes shot 73.4 percent on free throws. With a 65 percent start, there's plenty of room to improve.
Dakarai Tucker could return soon
Utah had really one notable absence on Friday night, as Dakarai Tucker sat out.
The junior guard and 3-point specialist has been struggling with back cramps, Krystkowiak said, that have bothered him near his shoulder blade. He played 11 minutes in the exhibition, but had been bothered by them.
"He's had a lot of treatment on it and he's shown dramatic improvement," he said.
Krystkowiak expected Tucker to practice this weekend and possibly play against San Diego State.
Twitter: @kylegoon