SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Sophomore transfer Johnnie Bryant had a game-high 21 points to lead Utah to a 74-59 win over Texas State Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
Senior Bryant Markson added 19 points for Utah (1-0), who played its first game without last season’s Wooden Award winner Andrew Bogut, now in the NBA.
Brandon Bush led Texas State (0-1) with 15 points. He was one of six freshmen who suited up for the Bobcats. The Utes had a tough time pulling away from Texas State. After jumping out to an 8-0 lead to begin the game, Texas State battled back to make it 8-7, and only trailed by two at halftime.
The back-and-forth continued in the second half until the Utes went on a run midway through, eventually taking their first double-digit lead at 51-41 with 10:45 to go in the game. The Utes eventually built a lead as big as 19-points as the Bobcats struggled to get back in the game.
The Utes had a big advantage from the foul line, sinking 21-of-31 attempts, compared to the Bobcats who only attempted 16, making 10. Utah is now 85-13 all time in home openers.
