In his first game coaching against a conference opponent, Alex Jensen got a taste of just how hard it is to win in the Big 12.
Utah was dominated by No. 1 Arizona 97-78 in its conference home opener at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on Saturday. The closest the Runnin’ Utes came was within eight points twice, but the Wildcats pulled away each time.
“I think we played hard,” Jensen said. “Like I said at the beginning of the game. I think we’re a little antsy, hesitant and afraid to make mistakes. But I give credit to our guys. They never quit.”
Still, the Runnin’ Utes are now 8-6 on the season, which is tied with Cincinnati for the worst overall record in the Big 12.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes head coach Alex Jensen watches during the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona Wildcats in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Since taking over for Craig Smith last March, it’s been a rocky road for Jensen and his crew.
Utah has dropped non-conference games to Washington, Cal, Mississippi State, Grand Canyon and California Baptist. According to ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index, the Runnin’ Utes have the worst rating in the entire conference.
That could be a bad sign to come with a grueling Big 12 schedule coming up for the Runnin’ Utes. But forward Keanu Dawes is encouraged with where the team is at.
“I think we’re at a good spot, but not exactly where we want to be,” Dawes said. “Like I mentioned that point in the game where we got to eight, I think that’s the type of team we can be all the time, but we’re not consistently there.”
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) looks to pass around Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) during the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona Wildcats in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Jensen said finding consistency starts with developing a strong defensive identity. Utah’s defense currently ranks as the 15th-worst unit in the entire conference.
“I say it all the time,” Jensen said. “I think everybody on our team has to see themselves as a defensive player first, which isn’t the easiest thing to do, because a lot of them, you know, haven’t had to do that. That’s what will give you a chance in these games.”
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd was complimentary of Utah’s effort and Jensen after the game.
He also shared his thoughts on what it takes to be successful in the Big 12.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes forward Keanu Dawes (8) drives to the basket as Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) defends during the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona Wildcats in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
“I think everyone’s got to figure it out on their own,” Lloyd said. “I think Alex and Wes [Wilcox] are really smart basketball guys. They’re great people. And I know this program has great resources, and it’s a great community.”
The road ahead for the Runnin’ Utes might be tough this season. But they are still taking some positives away from Saturday’s beating.
At least “not every team in the Big 12 is Arizona,” guard Terrence Brown said.
“We haven’t played a team like that all year,” Brown said. “Obviously we put up a lot of points. So it’s really just coming down to ... getting better on the defensive end.”