Utah Utes Struggle With Maturity in Big 12 Play

Team looks to rebound from close loss at Cincinnati as they head to West Virginia

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:23pm

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The Utah Utes basketball team is in the midst of a difficult Big 12 conference season, having lost 7 straight games after an early conference win over TCU. In their most recent game, the Utes blew a late 5-point lead against Cincinnati, ultimately losing 69-65. Head coach Alex Jensen continues to stress the importance of his young team playing with confidence and aggression, rather than becoming tentative due to their struggles. The Utes now head to West Virginia to take on the Mountaineers, who are fighting to stay in NCAA tournament contention.

Why it matters

Utah's struggles this season highlight the challenges of a young, rebuilding team adjusting to the rigors of Big 12 play. While the Utes have shown flashes of competitiveness, their inability to close out close games has been their downfall. This road trip to West Virginia provides another opportunity for the team to gain valuable experience and continue their maturation process.

The details

In the loss to Cincinnati, the Utes had a 74% chance of winning when they took a 65-60 lead with under 2 minutes to play. However, they were unable to secure a defensive rebound and the Bearcats scored 9 unanswered points to win. Coach Jensen praised his team's effort in out-rebounding the taller Cincinnati squad, but lamented the mental lapses that cost them the game. The Utes now face a West Virginia team fighting for its NCAA tournament hopes, presenting another tough challenge for the young Utah squad.

  • On Sunday, February 16, 2026, Utah lost 69-65 at Cincinnati.
  • On Wednesday, February 19, 2026, Utah will play at West Virginia (6:30 pm MST).

The players

Alex Jensen

The head coach of the Utah Utes basketball team, who is stressing the importance of his young team playing with confidence and aggression despite their struggles this season.

Keanu Dawes

A Utah player who scored to give the Utes a 65-60 lead late in the loss to Cincinnati.

Honor Huff

The leading scorer for the West Virginia Mountaineers, who Utah will face next.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of guys on my team haven't been in this position. I keep talking about a maturing process. Got to continue to head in that direction.”

— Alex Jensen, Utah Head Coach

“Give credit to Cincinnati. It's the maturity process being at this level and confidence is huge, especially on the road. But I've told multiple guys on my team, 'I can't believe in you more than you do, that doesn't work. You got to go out there and make mistakes of being aggressive, not the mistakes of being passive.'”

— Alex Jensen, Utah Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.