Dave Fox and Alema Harrington discuss the unbelievable story of Floyd Mayweather being paid 20 million dollars for a professional wrestling event.

      Listen here to David Locke and Coach Tom Nissalke discuss the Jazz 110-98 loss to the Hornets Friday night in New Orleans.  The Jazz were down by as many as 27 points in the first half, but were able to rally and  get  within 4 points  in the 4th quarter, ultimatly however, they couldn't get past the shooting of David West , Chris Paul, Jenero Pargo and Peja Stojakavic.  The Coach and David break this one down with emphasis on the Dwill-CPaul matchup, as well as look forward to Saturday night's game in Memphis.  That game will begin at 6 p.m., but tune in to 1320 KFAN at 5 p.m. to hear Locke and the Coach preview the Jazz and Grizz.  1320 KFAN is the sports leader. 

Each night David Locke keeps a live blog of the Jazz game.   Place your comments in the comment section. 

HIT REFRESH TO GET THE LATEST ENTRY

FINAL SCORE -- HORNETS 110 JAZZ 98
You can't overcome the first quarter on the road against a good team. 
Pargo nailed the Jazz on three straight possessions in the 4th with big time jumper.
Chris Paul and Deron were both fantastic.  Paul probably gets the edge due to the win and the lack of turnovers tonight.
Boozer was guarded by Chandler tonight and he was irrelevant all night.  He went scoreless in the 4th quarter.   Milsap played very well in the his span in the early part of the 4th q quarter.
The Jazz were within 89-83 with 6:41 left when the Jazz went to Boozer and AK to replace Milsap and Harpring.
Kyle Korver did not play in the second half.



3:30 4th Quarter -- Horents 102 Jazz 91
A Dagger three by Peja may have finished this one.
The Jazz were within 6 on a few occassions and could never get over the hump.
They had three chances to get it to 4 and never made the play.
Carlos Boozer is missing still - he either is not in or he can't play against Tyson Chandler.
Ronnie Price guarded Chris Paul very well for most of the 4th
Pargo has come off the bench and is killing the Jazz
Korver has not played in the second half.
Okur is 0 for 6 from three

3rd Quarter -- Hornets 85 Jazz 77
D-Will was great.  The Offense was fantastic.  They only left 6 possessions empty the entire quarter.
The defense was not good enough to make big cuts out of the lead. 
Chris Paul had another great quarter.  He is controlling the game on one end.  He is getting where ever he needs to get to and he is making brilliant plays,
D-Will is doing a heck of job pushing the Jazz and getting everyone good looks.
Brewer had a very good quarter.
Okur continues his strong game.
Boozer and AK are missing.

Halftime -- Hornets 58 Jazz 45
The Jazz trailed by 27 at one point in the 2nd quarter
The Jazz are not getting into their offensive sets at all.
Defensively the Hornets are getting what they want
CP3 is getting the best of D-Will tonight.  He has 19 points and 7 assists.
David West is 5 of 6 from the field.
The Hornets came into this game very aware of what the Jazz have done to the Hornets this year and are very focused.



1st Quarter  -- Hornets 38 Jazz 15

First Quarter was a disaster.  With the game tied 10-10 the Hornets went on a 23-0 run.  Turnovers were a huge issue.  Jazz committed 9 turnovers

Points off turnovers are 17-0 Hornets

Lots of things are mysterious

Deron posted up CP3 at the 9:10 mark and got a foul on Paul and then never posted him up again.

Two big calls had an impact on the game.  D-Will thought he got a charge on CP3 at the 6:46 mark and it would have meant Paul would have left the game.  It was 10-10.  Then AK got called on a terrible break away foul, it was an awful call, it gave the Hornets two free throws and the ball.  It could have been called the other way on Paul and again he would have had to sit.

Chandler is on Boozer and Boozer was a non-impact.

Peja hit 2 three’s – he is the key to the game – he leads the league in 3 makes.

Key Numbers for Jazz v. Hornets

The Jazz have the 3rd best offense in the NBA whereas the Hornets are the 7th best defensive team.
The Hornets are the 9th best offensive team and the Jazz are the 12th best defensive team.
Hornets want to play a much slower pace game than the Jazz.
Hornets are the 3rd best defensive rebounding team in the NBA - Jazz have been doing less offensive rebounding recently.

Here is a Leap Day edition of BOLOS featuring a very intersting sports and political take and a conversaiton with Pace Mannion.

DJ and PK talk about the Utah Jazz at the Hornets, the Spurs making their push for the playoffs and Utah St and their chances at the post season.

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is one of the all-time classic movies and this is the perfect time to pull out one of the movie’s best lines.  Who are those guys?

Here is most of the conversation between Locke and the Jazz owner, LHM.

Catch the best of today's show featuring excerpts from the opening smash, the interview with the scout, and the weekly conversation with Jazz owner Larry H. Miller. Here is the BOLOS!

  On Thursday Dave Fox and Alems Harrington broadcast live from the Dee Events Center in Ogden.  Here is some of what you will hear in thisbest of segment--  The  break down of  the 4a and 5a boys State Championship, the state of Utah turning into a true basketball crazed state at all levels,  the Jazz huge win over Detroit, and another breakthrough performance by Tony Parks as he performs as Hot Rod Hundley and Marv Albert- if you have not heard these impressions, they are dead on.  1320 KFAN is the sports later.

DJ and PK talk about the Jazz win over the Pistons and the way Paul Millsap stepped up in the second half

After a come from behind victory over the Pistons, Carlos Boozer joined DJ and PK for his weekly Thursday morning interview.  Listen to it here.

Mehmet Okur and Paul Millsap lead the Jazz in a come from behind victory over the Detriot Pistons on Wednesday night. The Jazz trailed by 15 with about five minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, but came storming back to beat the Pistons. David Locke and Coach Tom Nissalke break down tonights thriller here. Up next for the Jazz, Deron Williams squares off against Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets on Friady. Locke and Coach will have the pregame at 5 p.m. Hot Rod Hundley will have the call at 6.

Each night David Locke keeps a live blog of the action.  Place your thoughts and comments in the comment section

HIT REFRESH TO BRING THE TOP ENTRY

FINAL SCORE -- JAZZ 103 Pistons 95
MEMO FOR 3 !!!! MEMO FOR 3 !!!! AND ONE MORE TIME MEMO FOR THREE !!!!!!!!!
Completely unreal.
Memo hits three three 3's in the final 2:37 to give the Jazz the win.
Jazz took their first lead at the 8:17 mark of the 4th quarter and the game had 7 lead changes and 2 ties after that. 
Every possession had amazing intensity -- it was half court basketball and every possession was amazing.
Jazz trailed by 18. 
The final three of three for Memo was a great play.   it started as a high pick and roll with D-Will and Memo it didn't develop, the Jazz rolled another one on the left wing, Deron drove and went around baseline and swung it out to Brewer who swung it to Memo.  It used 22 seconds on the shot clock.  It was a huge sign of how good this team can be.
Brewer did a nice job on Hamilton holding him to 2 of 9 in the second half after a 7 of 10.

3:19 4th Quarter - Jazz 86 Pistons 85
This is the best I have ever seen Paul Milsap play
Brewer has come in for Korver to guard Rip.  Brewer slide underneath for a dunk on a great D-Will pass
Pistons are 11-4 in games decided by 6 or less
Okur got a great help block on Billiups in the post.
Boozer is waiting to check in for Milsap who just missed two free throws.

5:55 4th Quarter -- Pistons 78 Jazz 77
A brutal call missing a foul on a driving Deron - caused Jerry to get a tech
However, the same official has called two offensive fouls on the Pistons both are questionable.
The other night I watched the Pistons v. Nugs and said if it is close when Billiups checks in then the Pistons win.  Is tonight the same - Billiups is checking in.
Jazz are without Boozer and AK for the Quarter.  AK has been very poor tonight.  A total non-factor.


8:52 4th Quarter -- Pistons 74 Jazz 73
Milsap is playing the post better than I have ever seen him.
Wallace is having an awful night he is 1 for 9.   Be careful late though.
Jazz are going without Boozer and D-Will right now.  Hamilton and Billiups are on the bench as well.
Price had one really bad offensive possession

End of 3rd Quarter -- Pistons 71 Jazz 67
Jazz trailed by 15 (67-52) and they got it down to 2 at (69-67) all part of a 15-2 run.
It was sparked by energy and defense.   The crowd got hot and the Jazz were right there with them.
Deron started it taking a charge from Billiups. 
The game has an incredibly slow pace -- they only played 21 possessions per side.
Deron hit Milsap for two layups on nice offense
The defense was the story and the offense took advantage.
Twice the Jazz forced the Pistons deep into the shot clock and out of there offense.
Pistons are great in close games this year.
Jerry broke his regular rotation and Deron played the first 11:30 of the quarter.


Halftime -- Pistons 53 Jazz 42
The Pistons are very very good.   Their offense is slicing the Jazz up.  Hamilton has 14 points on 7 of 10 shooting.
Their floor is really well spaced and it is isolating Jazz defenders in their sets
The Jazz pulled Korver again for defensive reasons, that is three games in a row
The Jazz are shooting 43% -- nothing is coming easy.
The Jazz have committed just 6 turnovers but it feels like a lot more.
Memo has 11 shot attempts.  That is what the Pistons seem to want.
Fast break points 11-0 Detroit


End of 1st Quarter -- Pistons 30 Jazz 21
Pistons are slicing the Jazz up.
The are spreading the floor and getting great looks. 
The Pistons are beating the Jazz up as well.   They have pounded the Jazz on the boards and Wiliams and Milsap have been hit and stunned at different times.
Jazz are shooting 39%
Wallace is  a tough match-up on both end s of the floor.

Today's Best of features Locke smashing on the Jazz, Mike Sando and the NFL combine, and Deron Williams talking about his recruiting journey. Here is BOLOS!

Here is today's conversation between Locke and the Point Guard.

    Alema Harrington and Dave Fox talk with Pistons Broadcaster Mark Champion and discuss many topics including: Detroit's ability to dominate despite not having a star, Rasheed Wallace's change from bad boy into a mature leader, the Jazz' domination over Detroit the past 3 years, and also the breakdown of the Pistons and Jazz game for tonight. 

Coach Rice joined DJ and PK and talked about BYU's overtime win at New Mexico, the teams confidence in Trent Plaisted, and PK's other job that won the game for BYU.

DJ and PK talk about the Jazz loss to Minnesota and how the Jazz seem to have reverted to their old ways of just showing up and expecting to win. They discuss to BYU overtime win and the unlikely clutch free throws from Trent Plaisted.

     Listen to David Locke and Coach Nissalke talk about what went wrong when the Jazz lost 111-100 in the Target Center to the Minnesota Timberwolves.   The Jazz hope to rebound against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night at home.   Listen to 1320 KFAN at 6 p.m. to hear Locke and Nissalke preview what should be a very good game versus the Pistons.    Stay tuned for Hot Rod with the tip at 7 p.m.  1320 KFAN is the sports leader.

Each Jazz Game David Locke keeps a live blog of the Jazz game.  Place your thoughts and comments in a comment section. 

HIT REFRESH TO HAVE THE LATEST STORY GO TO THE TOP

FINAL SCORE --  Wolves 111 Jazz 100
Jon said  it best in the comment zone "Jazz are really going to spoil their good season if they keep playing like this on the road. Just lousy games over and over."
This was terrible.
Lots of Jazz players were awful but I have to give Memo the credit for the worst night of the year and complete and utter lack of effort on the boards.
The Jazz played LA Clips, Atlanta and Minnesota and are 1-2.  That is not acceptable when the playoffs are on the line.
Jazz committed a season high turnovers in this game.
Minnesota is awful but they are an NBA team so they can make a play or two if you give them a chance and that is what happened tonight.
Tyrone Corbin was on Locked on Sports and talked about how hopefully one day one of the guys will come forward as a leader.  It is clear this team is lacking the leadership it needs on the road and overall.
The Jazz hit one field goal in the first 7:30 minutes of the 4th quarter.  They never ran their sets.
This was a disaster.



5:58 left in the 4th Quarter -- Wolves 88 Jazz 80
This is dreadful
The bench gave the Jazz nothing and the Wolves went on a 10-0 run
Memo has been irrelevant on the boards.
Jazz have 9 second chance points to the Wolves 20
Jazz have committed 22 turnovers to the Wolves 9
A complete lack of focus
The Jazz defended on one possession at the 7:05 mark.  It was noticeably different

End of 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 72 Wolves 72
The good news is the Jazz have started to run their offense and when they do they score almost everytime.  Turnovers are still an issue
The bad news is the Jazz are not imposing their will on this game.  The Wolves are getting a ton of offensive rebounds.  The Wolves are pushing the Jazz around.
The Jazz are fortunate that the Wolves are a terrible offensive team.  They are getting open look after open look but none of their players are good enough to knock them down. 

Hafltime -- Wolves 52 Jazz 47
This is really poor.  The Jazz are playing at half speed.  The cuts are slow, the passes are lazy and fast breaks are at half speed.
The Jazz have 14 turnovers and they are shockingly bad.
The Jazz body langugue is really poor,  the hands are down, the feet are on the floor. 
Boozer is scoring but the defense is non-existent. 
More importantly the Jazz aren't dictating the tempo of this game at all. 
Can't imagine what Sloan said at halftime

End of 1st Quarter -- Jazz 27 Wolves 25
Jazz shot 69% but they are trying to outscore the Wolves
The Jazz are letting a terrible offensive team go where they want to
the post defense has been laughable it has been so bad
Boozer has 15 points.
The Jazz will score all night but they will need to play a few moments of defense
Jazz are sloppy -- 9 turnovers -- lazy lazy passes

Key Numbers for the Jazz v. Wolves
Jazz have the 3rd ranked offense against the Wolves 27th ranked defense.
The Wolves have the 29th ranked offensively and the Jazz are the 12th best defense.

Officials
Rondey Mott
Eli Roe
Joe DeRosa

Today was a shortened show with the Jazz game. I give you Locke's take on Yao's injury and also Locke reflecting on being able to sit and watch basketball games without a wife and kids. Here is BOLOS!

DJ and PK talk about the Jazz at Minnesota tonight .  DJ drops some stats in the conversation that cause PK to call DJ a nerd. The guys also discuss the PGA laying down so Tiger Woods can walk all over them.

Locke went over the style of coach that Jim Boylen is as well as the results that he has observed while covering coaches with his style, spoke about the bill that was released that would allow concealed weapon holders to carry loaded guns on campuses, school, sports arenas and hospitals, Tyrone Corbin joined the show speaking about the tough upcoming stretch for the Jazz and clarifying who the most competitive Utah Jazz player is on the roster currently.  Last but not least, Jeff Hornacek joined Locked on Sports and spoke about what makes Ronnie Price such a great fit as the back up point guard.  It's all part of Monday afternoon's BOLOS.

Clickhere for best of A game.

The NFL Combine is a joke.  Even something as seemingly straight forward as a weigh-in is twisted by guys drinking gallons of water... and you know what happens next.

Each night David Locke keeps a live blog during the Jazz game.   Place your thoughts and comments in the comment section and Locke will respond.

FINAL SCORE -- JAZZ 100 HAWKS 94
This was a tussle.  The Hawks are improved with Mike Bibby
Jazz win their 14th straight game at ESA
Josh Smith had a very good defensive 4th quarter.   He didn't guard Memo and had a big impact on the game.
The Jazz forced 22 turnovers.
D-Will was just 6 of 16 Bibby deserves some of the credit for that. 
Huge play with 3:03 left the Jazz were up only 3 and Korver had been taken out of the game for defensive reasons.   The Jazz swung it around to AK and he took and nailed the three.
The other great play in this game, was Bibby hit a lay-up to make it a a 2 point game and the Jazz immediately pushed the ball up the floor and took advantage of the Hawks not getting back on defense and got a lay-up from Memo.

End of 3rd Quarter -- Jazz 73 Hawks 62
Jazz found themselves trailing early in the third 58-56 with 6:01 left
Then the Jazz tightened the screws.  
Boozer got rolling late in the quarter.
Josh Smith is a miserable player, his effort is non-existent.  His 19-10 is the worst 19-10 I have ever seen.
The Jazz passing was great and numerous highlights egnited the crowd.
Jazz are cutting very well and getting lay-ups out of the cuts.

Halftime -- Jazz 47 Hawks 40
Jazz had been brilliant in the 2nd quarter until the Hawks hit a flurry of three's. Bibby hit three and Smith hit one at the buzzer. 
The Hawks were 10 of 31 from the field before hitting their final 4 shots of the quarter.
Ronnie Price continued to play well.
Hawks had 15 turnovers and the Jazz had 17 points off the turnovers.
If the Jazz return to the intensity of the 2nd quarter they will win this easily

End of 1st Quarter -- Jazz 23 Hawks 17
Boozer lead the way with 9 points
Jazz defense was very solid holding the Hawks to 6 of 15 shooting.
Price was very good replacing Deron.
Joe Johnson looked totally disinterested.
The Jazz bench was scoreless in the quarter

After dropping a heart breaking loss to New Mexico, Jim Boylen and several of his players met with the media.  Click on their name to hear the interviews.

Jim Boylen -- Warning.  The Coach does make a somewhat vulgar reference to whipping cream and excrement.  We thought it was pretty funny, but we thought it might be good idea to warn those that are easily offended.

Tyler Kepkay

Johnnie Bryant

Luke Neville

It certainly is not a good day to be Tyler Kepkay.

With just eight seconds remaining and the Utes trailing by three, the Utah point guard took a missed New Mexico free throw the length of the court, ignoring a three point attempt that would have sent the game into overtime and attempted a lay up. 

He missed.  But it gets worse.

Kepkay snagged his own miss and, while attempting his best Lance Rice impersonation, attempted the second lay up, this time scoring the basket as time expired.

Final score New Mexico 72 Utah 71.

Afterwards, a dejected Kepkay told the media that his head coach had told him to drive the lane and kick out for the game tieing three point shot.  But when the New Mexico defenders (wisely) didn't guard him past the three point line and allowed him to get to the basket, he felt he should just go ahead and take the shot.

Both teams had chances to put this game away.  Halfway through the second half and the Utes trailing by two, Coach Jim Boylen pulled Luke Neville out of a huddle and had a private conversation with his center.  Neither Boylen or Neville would comment on what was said, but Neville was a completely different player for the remainder of the game, scoring ten of his sixteen points in that stretch while dominating the paint on both sides of the court.  When Neville checked out of the game at the five minute mark with foul trouble, the Utes led by five.

New Mexico promptly answered with a 17-4 run led by JR Giddens and Chad Toppert who both hit big three point shots in that stretch.  New Mexico increased their lead to eight with just fourty seconds remaining in the game.

But the Utes found a way to fight back, and thanks to a Johnnie Bryant steal and a missed free throw by Dairese Gary, the Utes had their chance to send this game into overtime.

And that's where things went so very, very, wrong for Tyler Kepkay.

Kepkay will take the blame for this loss, but in reality Utah's three point defense can be held just as liable.  The Utes allowed New Mexico to go 8-14 from beyond the three point line including 4-4 in the final five minutes of the game.

Johnnie Bryant was a force in the first half, but was held mostly in check in the second.  The Utes also committed fourteen turnovers to New Mexico's seven.

Boylen said afterwards that the Utes, "win as a team and lose as a team".

Try telling that to Tyler Kepkay.

    Listen to David Locke and Coach Tom Nissalke break down the Jazz'  100-94 victory over the Hawks on Saturday Night at the Energy Solutions Arena.   Locke and Nissalke dive into this game and also discuss the loaded west in this web post.  Tom and David also talk about Ronnie Price's improvement over the last few games.   Listen to the Coach and Locke on Tuesday February 26th at 5 p.m. as they will preview the Jazz/Timberwolves game, followed by Hot Rod with the call at 6 p.m.  1320 KFAN is the Home of the Utah Jazz.

    Listen to David Locke and Coach Tom Nissalke break down the Jazz'  100-94 victory over the Hawks on Saturday Night at the Energy Solutions Arena.   Locke and Nissalke dive into this game and also discuss the loaded west in this web post.  Tom and David also talk about Ronnie Price's improvement over the last few games.   Listen to the Coach and Locke on Tuesday February 26th at 5 p.m. as they will preview the Jazz/Timberwolves game, followed by Hot Rod with the call at 6 p.m.  1320 KFAN is the Home of the Utah Jazz.

The Utah Jazz found themselves in a huge hole after being outscored by the Los Angeles Clippers 37-23 in the 3rd quarter and went on to lose by the final of 114-104.  David Locke and coach Tom Nissalke break down tonight's game and cover the following topics:

1.  Jazz fail to get any continuity offensively.
2.  Utah continuing to struggle when defending top players.
3.  How big of  a loss is this? 

Tune in to hear David Locke and Tom Nissalke during Jazz Game Night coming up tomorrow night at 6pm from the Energy Solutions Arena as the Jazz host the Atlanta Hawks.  Hot Rod Hundley will have the call of the game which tips off at 7. Nobody covers the Utah Jazz like 1320 KFAN, the sports leader.

Each night David Locke keeps a live running blog of the Jazz game.   Put your thoughts and comments in the comment section.  

HIT REFRESH TO GET THE LATEST ENTRY OF THE LIVE BLOG

Final Score -- Clippers 114 Jazz 104
This game never got closer than the 20 the Jazz trailed by in the 3rd Quarter.
The Jazz just aren't very good in LA no matter who they play.  They put up another stinker v. the Lakers this year.
Al Thorton could be pretty good, the Clippers might have a player
The Jazz never made the play that started a run and the offense was as big an issue as the defense tonight.  With that said the Clippers are putrid offensive team and should never have had the offensive night they had this evening.


End of 3rd Quarter -- Clippers 92 Jazz 72
Ouch.
A 37 point quarter to an awful offensive team is pretty hard to swallow.   Brewer got pulled and Price replaced him and was equally bad.
The offense has not been good, but the overall evening has been a mess
The Clippers have kept the jazz out of rhythm all night.
Mobley and rookie Al Thorton did most of the damage in this quarter.
Everything defensively is a step slow.

Halftime -- Clippers 55 Jazz 49
Jazz allowed a 30 point quarter which was largely due to a bad offensive half.
The Jazz really struggled offensively.  The Clips made things tough. The Jazz were taken a lot of shots on plays where they usually are able to make another pass or continue the ball movement and instead got stymied and had to take a shot.
Maggette is an issue.  He is tough.  The Jazz don't have an answer on how to guard him.
Maggette has already taken 9 free throws, that was one of the keys to the game.
Korver is not getting any looks and has forced a few.
Felt like Deron tried a few times to ignite the team but nothing got them going.


End of 1st Quarter -- Jazz 29 Clippers 25
Clippers start Knight and Mobley in the back-court rather than Ross and Cassell.
Boozer is very good early in this game
Price closed the quarter with a coast to coast drive that was fantastic.
Jazz are in control but nothing special.
The Clippers are really offensively challanged.
The one thing I don't understand is if Magette is the offensive player then how come he can still get good looks.
Jazz are shooting over 65%

Keys to the Game
1) Stay focused defensively the Clips can't score
2) Try to keep Maggette off the foul line
3) Executed offensively the Clips are good defensively

Key Numbers for Jazz v. Clippers
Jazz are the #3 offensive team in the NBA and the Clippers are the #12 defensively
Clippers are the #27 offensive team in the NBA and the Jazz now rank #10 in the NBA defensively.
The Clippers are the 29th ranked offensive rebounding team in the NBA

Just moments after the Mountain West Conference announced that DirecTV would add the mtn., David Locke talked with University of Utah Athletic Director Chris Hill.

Listen to the interview here

The long rumored deal between DIRECTV and The Mtn. has finally become a reality.  As the two sides completed a deal today that will now make Mountain West Conference games available to those who have  DIRECTV.  It will also make The Mtn. available on a nationwide basis.

The Mtn. will launch on the satellite service sometime this summer, no later than September 1. 

More details about channel and programming package details will be available as they are finalized and the launch date is set.  Consumers with questions about which DIRECTV package will carry the Mtn. in their area should visit www.directv.com for updates

University of Utah Athletics Director Chris Hill, issued the following statement;

“The announcement today is a huge step in getting television exposure for our teams,” said Utah Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hill. “I know the lack of satellite coverage has been extremely difficult on our fans and I’m thrilled that they will now have another option available to see our games. CBS played a critical role in the negotiating process and getting this deal done, and we’re appreciative of their effort.”

PK is out. DJ and Dan Sheldon talked about the MTN TV announcement and how sports athletic departments are afraid to say the deal is going to happen because they have been let down before.DJ talks about how a deal was almost a reality May of 2007 before the deal fell apart. BYU assistant Dave Rice joined the show and Rice said that they are excited about the prospects of national distribution

According to Natalie Meisler of the Denver Post, The mtn. and Direct TV have reached a deal in principle and are awaiting signatures to make the deal official.  Click here to read article.

According to my source in the Mountain West Conference office, the deal will not be considerded official or complete until signatures are put to paper.  However, the source did say that the deal is now closer than it has been at any other time in the process.

Stay tuned to 1320 KFAN and thefansports.com for further details as this story continues to develop.

According to a BYU and Mountain West Conference source, the Mountain West office and there is no signed contract,  and they are perplexed why Jeff Schemmel has made a public announcement when there is no signed contract.

Click here to listen to the audio from San Diego State Athletic Director Jeff Schimmel announcing that a deal has been reached to place the mtn. on Direct TV.

1320 KFAN has contacted both BYU and Utah, and both schools have commented that no contract has been signed at this time.  The University of Utah did comment  that they have been encouraged by recent negotiations. 

A source at BYU did tell 1320 KFAN that, "I will believe it when the email crosses my desk."

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego State Athletic Director Jeff Schemmel announced today that the mtn. will be carried by Direct TV.  Read the story here.

Alema Harrington and Dave Fox were broadcasting live from the Southtowne Expo Center for the Boat Show, discussing last night's BYU/Utah game, the growth of the Utah basketball program and what will be key for Jim Boylen to bring the Utes to the next level.  Alema and Dave also broke down the NBA trade deadline with some of the biggest deals that went down today and why the Jazz did and should stay put.  Listen to A-Game every weekday from 1-3 only on 1320 KFAN, the sports leader.

 

Carlos Boozer joined the show and was surprised to hear about the earthquake this morning. He said that his back is better and he should practice today.  Boozer said he is surprised by all the big names moving around the West and is happy that the Jazz trade for Korver has been generally unnoticed. He talked about the All Star game and said that if the West had Kobe they would have won. Boozer talked about the importance of defense over the last 28 games and said it will determine their post season success. He made the point that the team is well aware that home court in the playoffs is vital for future success. Boozer said that the team doesn’t mind being ignored by the national media because then they can focus on their game and be the surprise of the playoffs. 

DJ and PK talk about the BYU - Utah game and PK missing the prediction by 1 point. PK is now on the "I Hate the Lakers Bandwagon" because Laker fans are talking the win over the Suns too far.

The Utes made it close many times tonight at the Marriott Center, but for one reason or another could not close the deal.

Twice the Utes tied the score, and the lead changed 4 different times in the game.  In the second half 7 times the Utes cut the score within two points, but not once in the final half could they over take the Cougars. 

Why?

Depending who you ask.

Ute fans, I'm sure, are going to be quick to point out the officiating, and they may have a beef.  The Utes shot only 10 free throws.  BYU shot 32.  Jim Boylen, without saying so, spoke quite loudly in his post game interview that he was disappointed in the 3 to 1 ratio. 

But this is the easy way out.  That is why you build a great home court advantage, and when you are the top dog in the league playing at home, with a 44 game home win streak on the line, you are going to get the calls.  It's a fact of college basketball.  You need to go into the game expecting such.

Sure you can put some of the blame there, but you also need to look at the 13 turnovers that came at horrible times.  An example, Luca Drca throwing the ball away with 1:20 left whey you are down by just 3.  Or Johnnie Bryant finding himself in the air with no where to go, being called for a travel. 

Even with the officiating, the Utes had their chances and did not cash in.  The blame lies there.  This team is still in their infant state.  Three years down the road with that much more experience in the Jim Boylen regime, chances are they win the game.  But not tonight.

Ute fans should not be disappointed though.  The effort was there.  They played hard, and played the Cougars close throughout the game.  I'm not one to take the moral victory angle, but this is close to being one.

 

Back and forth they went, really not much separation between the two teams.

In the end, as was last month in the Huntsman Center, BYU made a few more plays than Utah. And those plays were the difference in BYU's 67-59 win Wednesday at the Marriott Center.

A last-second shot? One great defensive stand?

No, and no.

The Cougars didn't need those dramatics to record their 45th consecutive home game.They won by playing solid, if not spectacular, basketball for all 40 minutes.

"We made a couple of more plays at the end," said BYU coach Dave Rose.

Pretty much just like  Dave Rose wants it.

In his fourth season as BYU's head coach, Rose has inflicted his will on this basketball program. The Cougars are his mirror image, filled with decently-talented athletes who need to be known more for their collective heart than raw ability.

That's what they showed in sweeping Utah for the second consecutive season.

You want heroes? The Cougars had a few - namely Jonathan Tavernari, who led all scorers with 20 points and hit a big shot and three free throws in the final minute. Lee Cummard was his usual stellar self, with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Freshmen Jimmer Fredette scored 14 points in 22 minutes. And don't forget the likes of Chris Miles and Sam Burgess, both of whom made vital contributions beyond their modest numbers.

"I knew we needed everybody who went in to give us some kind of left," Rose said, "and we got it."

Too many plays to mention, and not enough that stand out. Rose couldn't have drawn it up any better.

"We keep playing better and better as a team," said Cummard.

Just like Rose wants it.

DAVE ROSE POST GAME

JONATHAN TAVERNARI

LEE CUMMARD

SAM BURGESS

 

After a frustrating loss against BYU, Head Coach Jim Boylen spoke to the media.  You can hear by some of the comments he makes, but more importantly the comments he didn't make that he was frustrated by the officiating.   Utah attempted only 10 free throws to BYU's 32.

JIM BOYLEN

JOHNNIE BRYANT

HIT REFRESH...MOST RECENT ENTRY WILL APPEAR AT THE TOP

Check back later for post game blogs, and post game sound.

3:19 2nd half - Utah 53 BYU 58
Nevill check back in with 4:14 left and the score BYU 58 Utah 53.  Utah has gotten chances only to see them turned back by a turnover, or the BYU defense.  Still the game is still their for either team to win.

8:18 2nd - Utah 43 BYU 47
After begining to get something going in the paint with Nevill, Luke picks up his 4th foul on a cheapy against Plaisted.  How long will Boylen leave the big man on the bench?  Nevill had just started hitting the shot in the paint, and the Cougars couldn't stop it. 
The Cougars are hitting timely 3 point shots.  Just as the Utes get close, they hit one to stretch the lead back out.
The Utes have only shot 8 free throws to BYU's 19.

11:46 2nd Half - Utah 38 BYU 39
Utah starts the half on a 12 - 6 run, and has pulled to with in a point, but the defense of both teams is not allowing the other to do anything.  Both teams have been forced into late clock bad shots, Utah got a 3 from Drca.  The Cougars not so lucky. 
Nevill just checked back in, and Tillie picked up his 3rd foul.

16:43 2nd Half - Utah 33 BYU 35
Utah comes out hot...Shaun Green hits a three and is playing some is playing with a bit of nasty...Borha scores a fastbreak layup...and Plaisted goes at Nevill twice resulting in no fouls and no points....Now Nevill scores on the offensive end making it a 2 point game.

HALFTIME STATS
BYU                                   UTAH
43 % FG                              33 % FG
16 reb                                 18 reb
2 blk                                    4 blk
4 steals                              2 steals
7 turnovers                        6 turnovers
15 FT attempts                  4 FT attempts

HALFTIME - UTAH 26  BYU 33
It hasn't been pretty for either team.  You the 2 best defensive teams in the conference going at it.  If not for  a 9 - 2 run in the final two minutes of the half we have a very close game.  The Utes fell apart towards the end, for just 90 seconds and the Cougars made them pay.  Now the Cougars have the crowd in it and the momentum on their side. 
For the Utes in the second half, it is imperative that they set the tone early.  The tone that needs to be set is that they are not going away easy. 
Luke Nevill has to play smart ball, and stay away from the easy fouls and keep himself on the floor.  He has gotten good looks, and has played good defense.  He could dominate the second half, the Cougars don't have an answer for him.

:45 1st Half - Utah 26 BYU 33
The difference two possessions make.
Utah pulls even at 24, and has a chance to go ahead only to give up a fastbreak 3 point shoot by Tavernari, and a box out foul on Bryant sending Cummard to the line for 2.  He hits 1, and it's a 4 point swing.
Next time down the floor, a Morgan Grim turnover results in Jimmer Fredette 3.

4:171st Half - Utah 20 BYU 24
Kim Tillie is following up where he left off with SDSU.  He has been a beast as Nevill has been on the bench.  He is fighting for rebounds and keeping the ball alive.
Now Tillie just picked up his second foul, and Morgan Grim is in at center. 
The Cougars defense is frustrating the Utes.  Utah is taking most of their possessions deep in the shot clock forcing turnovers, or poor shots.

7:27 1st Half - Utah 18 BYU 19
Nevill is frustrating the Cougars with his size.  They are not shying away from him though and it pays off as he just picked up his second foul and will head to the bench.  Tillie has done a good job, but for the Utes to win this game, they need Nevlll on the floor, not the bench.
Solid interior defense by Utah, not allowing easy buckets inside.

11:20 1st Half - Utah 12 BYU 15
Nevill is getting good looks at the hoop in th post, but has yet to convert.
Johnnie Bryant comes off the bench and immediately answers a Tavernari 3 with one of his own.  Then tacks one more on top of that.  He has been the only Ute thus far who has been productive.
BYU continues to force the fast break, but has only seen 1 easy fast break bucket as the Utes have gotten back quickly.
The Utes have missed a lot of open shots in the paint and on the perimeter.

15:54 1st Half - Utah 4 BYU 5
Both teams a little wired at the start.  A quick shot and a quick turnover from both teams.
Nevill still owns Plaisted.  Nevill blows him off the block on one end, then promptly blocks his hook at the other.
It didn't take long for Boylen to bring Drca in at the point.  Kepkay has taken 2 shots missing both, and the offense is stagnant.