SEATTLE (AP) - The University of Utah Runnin' Utes concluded their non-conference schedule with a disappointing 74-65 loss to the Washington Huskies on Monday evening at Alaska Airlines Arena. This defeat marks a significant moment for the Utes as they prepare to transition into Big 12 play. Despite a competitive matchup, Utah struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately falling short against a resilient Huskies team that has shown marked improvement in recent weeks. The game showcased standout performances from both sides, but it was Washington's Zoom Diallo who stole the spotlight. Diallo scored a game-high 24 points, leading his team to victory with a blend of sharp shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. His performance was complemented by teammate Hannes Steinbach, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Steinbach’s presence in the paint proved crucial, as he dominated the boards and provided much-needed scoring support. Utah entered the game with hopes of building momentum as they looked ahead to their upcoming Big 12 schedule. However, they faced challenges from the outset. The Runnin' Utes struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses, which allowed Washington to establish an early lead. By the end of the first half, the Huskies had built a 38-30 advantage, capitalizing on Utah’s mistakes and taking control of the pace of the game. In the second half, Utah attempted to mount a comeback. The Utes, guided by their head coach, displayed determination and resilience, narrowing the gap at various points. Freshman guard Keba Keita played a pivotal role, contributing key baskets and showcasing his potential as a playmaker. However, every time Utah seemed poised to take control, Washington responded with crucial plays of their own, maintaining their lead. The turning point of the game came midway through the second half. After a series of back-and-forth possessions, Washington’s Diallo hit a critical three-pointer that pushed the lead to 10 points, leaving Utah scrambling. The Utes made a valiant effort to close the deficit, but Washington's defense held firm, and the Huskies continued to capitalize on fast-break opportunities. Utah's head coach, Craig Smith, expressed disappointment in his team's performance but acknowledged the challenges they faced against a formidable opponent. "We played hard, but we need to be more disciplined and focused, especially as we transition into a highly competitive Big 12 schedule," Smith said in a post-game interview. "Every game is a learning experience for us, and we need to take the lessons from tonight and apply them going forward." As the Utes prepare for their Big 12 opener, they will need to address the areas of concern highlighted in this outing. Consistency in their offensive execution and defensive solidity will be paramount as they face tougher competition in the upcoming months. The transition from non-conference to conference play often brings its own set of challenges, and Utah will need to adapt quickly to the higher stakes. On the other hand, Washington’s victory continues to build momentum for a team that has now won four of its last five games. Coach Mike Hopkins praised his players for their effort and resilience, particularly in the face of a challenging opponent. “I’m proud of how our guys came together tonight,” Hopkins stated. “We executed our game plan and showed that we can compete at a high level. This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication our team has put in.” As both teams move forward, the implications of this game are significant. For Utah, the focus will be on fine-tuning their game as they step into the rigors of the Big 12. Meanwhile, Washington will look to build on this success and carry their winning momentum into the next phase of their season. The Runnin' Utes will need to regroup quickly, as they are set to face off against other formidable opponents in the coming weeks. With lessons learned from this defeat, they will aim to harness their potential and strive for improvement as they embark on this critical part of their season.