The Hive Sports

By: Joe Oliver 

January 4th, 2025 – Salt Lake City- The University of Utah started off the new year with their men’s basketball team hosting Texas Tech. After falling to Baylor by 25 points on NYE to open Big XII play; the Utes were back home to celebrate their first Big XII conference home matchup this season!

Right out of the gates, the game play was very physical. Poor shooting and quick turnovers had both teams struggling to find their rhythm. 

Utah took it’s first lead of the game when they went up 30-29.  That was before Texas Tech went on an 18-6 run to finish off the first half with a 47 – 36 lead.

The second half proved too much for Utah, who shot poorly at 28% on 7-of-25 from the field.

Darrion Williams led Texas Tech with 19 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds on 28 minutes! The Red Raiders Federiko Federiko scored 14 points, including five dunks! 

The Red Raiders had 6 players who scored in double-digits (including Elijah Hawkins, who scored 12 points while dishing out 10 assists for a double-double). While the Utes only had 3 players score 10 or more. Zach Keller put up 12 points for Utah on 6-of-7 shooting. 

The Utes start off 0-2 in conference play (8-5 overall). It’s not a look Itah was hoping for at the start of the season. Yet, it remains to be seen if calls for forth year head coach, Craig Smith to step down, will be entertained. Or if he will be allowed to finish out his contract. After going 17-2 at home last season, the Utes are struggling to find their groove.