Runnin' Utes fall short in exhibition game against Nevada as Alex Jensen makes debut

SALT LAKE CITY — In Alex Jensen's long-awaited debut as Utah's head coach, the Utes came up just short in their first exhibition of the season, falling 80-77 to Nevada after Jahki Howard's half-court heave rimmed out at the buzzer.

The loss marked the start of Utah's preseason tune-ups before the 2025-26 campaign officially tips off against San Jose State on Nov. 3, but it also marked a homecoming for Jensen — the former Utes star who was named Mountain West Player of the Year in 2000.

"It was good. It was interesting, because we're on a different bench than when I was here when we played," Jensen said. "It's a special place, and myself and the team, we want to do the teams and people that have come before proud. A lot of great games there and hopefully there'll be many more to come."

The game itself went about as well as a scrimmage would go, with both teams looking sloppy and out of sync to begin the game. As the game progressed, though, both teams settled in and gave fans a taste of what is to come this season.

"Give credit to Reno," Jensen said. "They did a lot of things that our guys weren't prepared for, which we'll remedy, but I'm not worried about that."

Many new Utah players took the court of the Huntsman Center for the first time Friday night. With nine newcomers joining the Utes this season, it's a fresh look for a team that hopes to build toward national relevancy and make a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.

With all the newcomers, Jensen tried out different lineups throughout the game, mass subbing multiple players at times as he searched for what worked for his team.

"To be honest, I'm still searching for a strategy in the rotations and substitutions — new team, new coaches, trying to find the best combinations," Jensen said. "It might vary by every team we play."

Arguably the best player Jensen brought to Utah this offseason was Terrence Brown, who transferred to Utah after two years at Fairleigh Dickinson. Brown impressed last season with the Knights, winning the NEC 2024-25 Most Improved Player and being named 1st Team All-NEC.

Brown shined in the loss and finished with a game-high 27 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting from the field, while also dishing out six assists.

"I'd say just being aggressive," Brown said of his success. "Letting (the ball) get around a couple times and touch a few other players hands before I try to be more aggressive, and then obviously getting others involved."

Jensen praised his point guard for the way he carried himself in Friday's game, highlighting his effort and the improvements Brown has made since coming to campus.

"I think he's improved a lot since he's been here," Jensen said. "He was good tonight, and just kept going like he was steady."

The 3-point shooting differential in the game had a wide margin, with over half of the shots Utah took coming from deep. Utah finished 9-of-35 from 3-point range, while Nevada was just 2-of-13.

Corey Camper Jr. and Tayshawn Comer led the way for Nevada in the narrow win, with Camper finishing with 17 points and Comer 14. The Wolfpack won the turnover margin on the night, forcing Utah into 18 giveaways.

"There's things that we can be better at as a coaching staff and help them in situations," Jensen said. "We can remedy and limit the mistakes. It's a great game to have a lot to learn from."

Utah will face a familiar opponent in its next exhibition when the team travels to Eugene to take on Oregon next Friday.

Related topics