# OOC Game 9: Utah Tech **URL:** \ **Category:** Game Preview/Recap\ **Created:** [December 2, 2025, 5:11pm UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038 "2025-12-02T17:11:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![PattyMac](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.wakeupswig.com/pattymac/32/15_2.png) [@PattyMac](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/PattyMac)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2025, 5:11pm UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/1 "2025-12-02T17:11:56Z")
_ **Tip-off:** _ Wednesday, 7pm at the Leavey Center _ **TV:** _ ESPN+ _ **Line:** _ Torvik: Broncos -22.5, 96% win probability _ **Torvik:** _ Broncos #43, Utah Tech #273 (Broncos #18, UTech #251 when removing preseason weighting) **Trailblazers** There’s not a lot of narrative to be summoned out of this one. It’s a buy-game that the Broncos need to win and win by a lot. Utah Tech (née Dixie State) moved to D1 in 2019. They changed the name to Utah Tech in 2022, though “In what state is Dixie State located?” was made for bar trivia. The Trailblazers have been led by the same coach since joining Division 1. They had one decent year in 2023 but otherwise, this has not been an inspiring program. So far, the Trailblazers have only two Division 1 wins, one of which is a double-OT victory against moribund Mississippi Valley State. **(Likely) Starters and Top Bench:** | Height + Position | Name | Torvik Adj. Efficiency | PPG | Other Stats | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 6-5 Guard | Tanner Davis | 0.9 | 9.6 | 1.5 stls; **51.7% FTs** | | 6-4 Guard | Chance Trujillo | 1.8 | 12.1 | 4.5 rebs; 2.5 asts; 38.9% FG | | 6-7 Wing | Jusaun Holt | -0.5 | 9.2 | 2.3 asts; **3.1 TOs** | | 6-8 Forward | Ethan Potter | 4.1 | 16.9 | 7.0 rebs; 1.2 blks | | 6-8 Forward | Noah Bolanga | 0.2 | 11.2 | 5.5 rebs; 1.4 stls | | 6-5 Wing | Britton Berrett | 0.0 | 3.5 | | | 6-4 Guard | Madiba Owona | -0.7 | 8.1 | **33.3% FTs** | Utah Tech doesn’t have a lot going for it, especially on the offensive end where they struggle with inefficient guards and no front court size. Their 3P shooting is bottom quintile in the NCAA at just 27.8%. They get to the line very infrequently (let’s see if our Broncos change that!) and convert a remarkably low percentage when they do. Because they give up a lot of size down low, the Trailblazers very seldomly block shots or collect offensive boards. Utah Tech gives some push on the defensive end, where their larger, longer guards prevent easy 3Ps (top-50 in the country at 3P defense) and can disrupt passing lanes. That still adds up to a below-average defense, but it’s a lot better than the other end of the court. To say something nice: Ethan Potter is a pretty good player, all told. He’s efficient in the post, and somehow even better in the mid-range. But he doesn’t take 3Ps, so without help from his guard contingent, there’s only so far he can carry the scoring load for his squad. It’s never a good idea to underestimate an opponent. But the Trailblazers will compete with Louisiana for the Broncos’ worst OOC opponent. Santa Clara has major advantages inside on both ends, and this should be a good opportunity for Graves’s rebounding and Bukky’s scoring to flourish. Assuming Ensminger is still recovering, someone will have to pick up Potter on defense, likely a mix of Graves and Darlan, I think. On the other side, we started to see a little of Darlan’s offense manifest against Minnesota. Can he continue to improve on that end? And is this potentially where we see Normand finally ease onto the court so he can be a weapon for future matches against UNM and ASU? And Chukwudebelu has been impressive in recent outings. If the Broncos pull ahead, he will hopefully get extended run since, with no front court depth and a propensity to foul, the Broncos will need him. **Prediction:** Start strong, keep from fouling, and cruise: **92-65 Santa Clara.** Darlan’s offensive bag finally (finally) appears with a 19 point, 10 rebound double-double from the Once and Future Pro. ---
**Author:** ![bronco25](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47774/32.png) [@bronco25](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/bronco25)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2025, 5:56pm UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/2 "2025-12-02T17:56:43Z")
I’m thinking 100 points here for SCU. With JDub in the building and SCU’s highest NET in a long time, I think there will be some excitement. Just got to make sure that doesn’t turn into poor shots that look cool or risky passes that cause turnovers. ---
**Author:** ![Broncomusings](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3bc359/32.png) [@Broncomusings](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/Broncomusings)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2025, 6:37pm UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/3 "2025-12-02T18:37:02Z")
I think I read Normand was the 8th best shooter in the country as a HS senior . Hope that’s true…. ---
**Author:** ![PattyMac](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.wakeupswig.com/pattymac/32/15_2.png) [@PattyMac](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/PattyMac)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2025, 6:39pm UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/4 "2025-12-02T18:39:52Z")
I can’t believe that I forgot that it will be Jalen’s jersey retirement night. I really hope that the school is promoting that well. That should be a good draw for students. ---
**Author:** ![TheWeave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ba9def/32.png) [@TheWeave](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/TheWeave)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2025, 8:27pm UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/5 "2025-12-02T20:27:36Z")
Hopefully there will be a solid contingent of Basketball Alumni in attendance. There was a special invite sent to them and a pre-game reception. Would be great to see who appears. ---
**Author:** ![BroncoBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a3d4f5/32.png) [@BroncoBob](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/BroncoBob)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2025, 10:27pm UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/6 "2025-12-02T22:27:11Z")
Will be interesting to see if they retire any more numbers in the future. Maybe the Santa Clara Hall of Fame is seen as kind of the substitute for retiring more numbers. Guys since 2000 that I think would merit strong consideration would be John Bryant, Kevin Foster, and Jared Brownridge. Podz’ season was as good as any I have seen in a Bronco uniform but only one season makes it a bit tricky. Brian Jones was definitely on his way to being up there before the injury, and was still very good after. ---
**Author:** ![92bronc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/9/898d66/32.png) [@92bronc](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/92bronc)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 6:03am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/7 "2025-12-03T06:03:51Z")
Broncos in an easy one…..88-71. ---
**Author:** ![TD\_24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/91b2a8/32.png) [@TD\_24](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/TD_24)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 2:52am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/8 "2025-12-04T02:52:26Z")
Hammond and Ensminger out tonight ---
**Author:** ![G-man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/76d3ee/32.png) [@G-man](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/G-man)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 2:59am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/9 "2025-12-04T02:59:37Z")
Any idea what’s up with Hammond? ---
**Author:** ![LucasLandon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9d8465/32.png) [@LucasLandon](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/LucasLandon)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 3:11am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/10 "2025-12-04T03:11:22Z")
Hammond was concussed during shoot around ---
**Author:** ![LucasLandon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9d8465/32.png) [@LucasLandon](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/LucasLandon)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 3:12am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/11 "2025-12-04T03:12:30Z")
Jake’s injury was a best case scenario. It’s a muscle strain in his hamstring/glute and he’ll be reevaluated next week ---
**Author:** ![LucasLandon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9d8465/32.png) [@LucasLandon](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/LucasLandon)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 4:04am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/12 "2025-12-04T04:04:40Z")
Very cool halftime ceremony for Jalen. All the other living Broncos players who have retired jerseys spoke on video ---
**Author:** ![G-man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/76d3ee/32.png) [@G-man](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/G-man)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 4:05am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/13 "2025-12-04T04:05:57Z")
Well done ceremony. Classy and nicely done. Congrats Jalen! ---
**Author:** ![bronco25](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47774/32.png) [@bronco25](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/bronco25)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 4:40am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/14 "2025-12-04T04:40:14Z")
Great ceremony and turnout. But wow this might be the worst defense we’ve played this season. ---
**Author:** ![getnashty](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.wakeupswig.com/getnashty/32/1253_2.png) [@getnashty](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/getnashty)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 4:43am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/15 "2025-12-04T04:43:55Z")
I’m gonna chalk it up to (i) a distracting night (ii) missing two starters (iii) against a team I bet they figured they would just crush. ---
**Author:** ![BroncoHoops5](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BroncoHoops5](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/BroncoHoops5)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 4:49am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/16 "2025-12-04T04:49:59Z")
Just win and get out of here. Not going to lose too much sleep. Omfg Alan Graves. ---
**Author:** ![bronco25](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47774/32.png) [@bronco25](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/bronco25)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 4:50am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/17 "2025-12-04T04:50:47Z")
I think some highlights however were: - Cochran looks fantastic - Bukky not fouling like crazy - Gavalyugov brings energy - Darlan looking better on offense (but wow the fouling needs work) - Addition: Broncos not starting a fight at the end after that ridiculous punch. IMO that Utah Tech player should be suspended ---
**Author:** ![pistolpete89](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c0e974/32.png) [@pistolpete89](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/pistolpete89)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 4:59am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/18 "2025-12-04T04:59:32Z")
Echo Bronco Hoops comment. Just find a way to win tonight. Side note: Minnesota upset #22 Indiana tonight. ---
**Author:** ![TD\_24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/91b2a8/32.png) [@TD\_24](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/TD_24)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 5:00am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/19 "2025-12-04T05:00:43Z")
something about being in the presence of fights relating to Santa Clara at USF now this malarkey vs Utah Tech ---
**Author:** ![BballFemme](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e9a140/32.png) [@BballFemme](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/u/BballFemme)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 5:02am UTC](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038/20 "2025-12-04T05:02:01Z")
Nice job Broncos with the ceremony!! Way to HOLD ON for the win. As for scuffle. Seems we learned our lesson from the San Fran game not to leave the bench. I remember when Williams slammed Cam from behind at San Fran and our benches cleared. They ejected like half our bench that game. (Or so it felt. We were thin going in). Ludwig and O’Neil all held Cam from retaliating - so he didn’t get into any trouble. But that cost us a win that night. [![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/wakeupswig/original/1X/88b8be8966882f00552df4bd30c0cf223fbe1d0e.jpeg "Santa Clara vs San Francisco heated moment leads to multiple ejections") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnd0ex8R3u8) [Next page](https://forum.wakeupswig.com/t/ooc-game-9-utah-tech/1038.md?page=2)