Broncos Welcome Utah Tech for December’s Sole Home Game
Santa Clara men’s basketball team (7-1) is gearing up to host Utah Tech (5-5) on Wednesday in their only home game this December. The matchup will start at 7:00 p.m. PT at the Leavey Center, with live streaming available on ESPN+. Commentators Anthony Passarelli and Henry Caruso will provide coverage of the game.
During halftime, the Broncos will honor alumni Jalen Williams by retiring his jersey, No. 24. This adds his number to the list of eight jerseys now displayed in the rafters of the Leavey Center, alongside those of notable players like Steve Nash and Kurt Rambis.
Analyzing Utah Tech’s Performance
Utah Tech arrives with a record of 5-5, recently coming off a 77-69 victory against UC Riverside. Their offense averages 77.8 points, while their defense allows 72.5 points per game. The Trailblazers have excelled in perimeter defense, permitting only 27.7% of shots from beyond the arc, ranking them 32nd nationally.
Senior forward Ethan Potter has been a standout for Utah Tech, earning WAC Player of the Week honors after scoring an average of 22 points against Portland State and UC Riverside. He leads his team with an average of 16.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Previous Encounter: Broncos vs. Trailblazers
Santa Clara and Utah Tech faced off for the first time in their history during the 2023-24 season opener. In this encounter, the Broncos secured a 77-69 victory, led by Carlos Marshall, Jr., who scored 22 points.
Recent Performance of Santa Clara
Santa Clara recently debuted at No. 32 in the NET Rankings on December 1 and is currently positioned at No. 36. They are one of three teams from the WCC ranked within the top 40.
After suffering their first loss of the season, Santa Clara rebounded to defeat Minnesota 86-75 in the Acrisure Invitational consolation game. The Broncos displayed strong shooting, exceeding 50% from the field and setting a season-high by making 16 three-pointers.
Strong Start and Shooting Performance
The Broncos are off to a strong 7-1 start, their best since 2019-20. They were 12-2 in nonconference play that season under coach Herb Sendek.
- Santa Clara holds a WCC record with 368 three-pointers made last season.
- This season, they average 27.6 attempts from long-range per game.
- Hammond has consistently scored double figures, establishing himself as a key player with an average of 16.6 points per game.
Defensive and Rebounding Statistics
Santa Clara’s defense has been impressive, allowing only 64.4 points per game, ranking them 29th in the nation. They also excel at rebounding, with an average of 14.7 offensive rebounds per game, placing them 29th nationally.
As the Broncos prepare to welcome Utah Tech, fans can expect an exciting matchup marked by the return of the team to their home court, along with a special halftime ceremony. This game presents a significant opportunity for Santa Clara to build on their strong early-season performance.
