Runnin’ Utes dominate Pac-12 tourney opener, but a tougher test awaits them

The Runnin’ Utes know they need a deep run — and maybe even a trophy — in the Pac-12 Conference tournament if they’re going to get back in the NCAA Tournament picture.

“Just like every team here, they’re trying to cut down the nets,” head coach Craig Smith said. “In order to do that, you’ve got to win the first game. And we were able to take care of business tonight.”

The Utes dominated Arizona State on Wednesday in Las Vegas, a 90-57 victory fueled by a career-high 22 points from Cole Bajema. The senior went 6 for 9 from beyond the arc.

“It definitely helps to see the ball go in your first shot of the game or whatever it is. Kind of gets your confidence going,” Bajema said. “But credit to my teammates, especially Deivon [Smith]. ... He’s always out there looking for me. Gabe [Madsen], Ben [Carlson], whoever it is, we’re all just looking for each other. That’s what we’ve got to keep doing tomorrow. It’s definitely good. But I’ve got more work to do.”

Smith had 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

After suffering an elbow injury in the regular season finale, leading scorer Branden Carlson played 19 minutes with a brace on his left arm. He finished with seven points and two boards.

“It was great to see Branden come out here,” Craig Smith said. “It was a tough injury and obviously he’s not over it. But I think that kind of helped us as well as a team.”

The Utes’ 33-point win tied for the largest margin of victory in Pac-12 tournament history.

Up next, Utah takes on the Colorado Buffaloes on Thursday night. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast on FS1.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Smith said after the win over ASU. “Colorado is really good. We were able to beat them at our place. They really, really handled us really from start to finish at their place. And Tad Boyle has been around this league for a long, long time and he’s a very good coach.

“Their players, they are very talented. KJ Simpson has played at an elite level all year long. Tristan da Silva has been around the league a long time, can do everything. J’Vonne Hadley is excellent, Luke O’Brien. They all understand who they are and what they are. And they play to their identity. And they play tough-nose defense as well. They’re a complete team. They’ve won six or seven or eight in a row. It’s a lot in a row. And they, from start to finish, handled us. We’ve got our work cut out for us. But it’s March and anything can happen.”