BYU falters late, loses to Utah

BYU had a 16-point lead two separate times, but poor defense, foul trouble, and cramps/injury to Yoeli Childs was BYU’s undoing in a 102-95 overtime loss to Utah.

Yoeli Childs was spectacular in his return, scoring 29 points in the game’s first 30 minutes, but cramps or an ankle injury forced him to the bench for the remainder of the game. Even with Yoeli on the floor, Utah scored in the paint at will all night. Once BYU stopped hitting threes and TJ Haws and Yoeli went to the bench, BYU’s offense and defense both sputtered.

This wasn’t a season-killing loss for BYU, but it was sure a gut punch in a game that BYU should have won. BYU next plays UNLV Saturday in Salt Lake City.