Trey Campbell anchored a dramatic second-half comeback for Utah, scoring 20 points to lead the Utes to a 66-63 victory over Long Beach State in Monday night’s season opener. The game featured a stark contrast between the halves; Utah’s sloppy first-half performance resulted in 10 turnovers, allowing Long Beach State to build a 40-28 lead at the break. However, the Utes transformed their game after intermission, limiting their turnovers to just five and outscoring The Beach 38-23 in the second half to secure the win.
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The momentum shift began with a 10-0 run by Utah, which erased the 12-point deficit and brought the Utes within striking distance. Jackson Holcombe ignited the comeback with a three-point play that cut the lead to 54-48 with seven minutes remaining. Utah capitalized on this momentum with a decisive 12-0 run to take the lead, 60-56. The Utes maintained control in the closing minutes as Long Beach State struggled from the field, managing only one successful shot from the floor in the final five and a half minutes.
Holcombe finished with a double-double, contributing 14 points and eight rebounds, while Campbell also provided crucial playmaking with eight assists and six rebounds. McCaden Adams led Long Beach State with seven points early in the second half, but the team’s offensive stagnation in the final stretch proved fatal. The victory marks a strong start for Utah, highlighting their ability to adjust defensively and manage the ball effectively under pressure, a critical factor in their narrow 66-63 triumph.
Source: Yahoo Sports
