SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – In a thrilling contest that showcased determination and skill, the Utah Runnin' Utes secured their first Big 12 victory of the season by defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 82-79 on Saturday. The game, held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, not only marked a much-needed win for the Utes, who improved their record to 9-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play, but it also snapped a four-game losing streak that had cast a shadow over their season. Terrence Brown emerged as the standout player for the Utes, scoring a game-high 26 points and demonstrating a diverse offensive skill set that included sharp shooting from beyond the arc and aggressive drives to the basket. His performance was vital in keeping Utah ahead in a tightly contested game. "I just focused on taking good shots and letting the game come to me," Brown said post-game. "It feels amazing to finally get that first conference win under our belts. We’ve been working hard and it’s nice to see it pay off." In addition to Brown’s offensive explosion, Keanu Dawes provided a significant contribution with a double-double that featured 10 points and a staggering 14 rebounds. Dawes' ability to control the boards was instrumental in limiting TCU's second-chance opportunities while providing Utah with essential possessions. "Rebounding is something we emphasized in practice this week, and I’m glad it showed on the court," Dawes remarked. His efforts on both ends of the floor proved crucial in a game where every possession mattered. Other key contributors for Utah included Don McHenry, who chipped in 11 points, and Seydou Traore, who added 10 points of his own. Their combined efforts helped to create a balanced scoring attack that kept TCU's defense guessing. The Utes' depth was on full display as they utilized a variety of offensive schemes to exploit mismatches against the Horned Frogs. The game began with Utah establishing an early lead, thanks in part to a strong defensive performance that disrupted TCU's rhythm. The Utes opened the contest on a 12-2 run, forcing TCU to call an early timeout. However, the Horned Frogs quickly regrouped, demonstrating their own resilience by going on a scoring spree that tied the game at 31-31 late in the first half. As the game progressed, the tension mounted. Both teams exchanged leads, with neither side able to build a comfortable margin. TCU, led by their sharpshooting guard, fought hard to reclaim momentum, but Utah’s defensive tenacity stifled their efforts. The Utes’ ability to respond to TCU's scoring runs became a defining aspect of the game, showcasing their mental fortitude and readiness to compete at the Big 12 level. In the final minutes, the Utes found themselves up by five points, but TCU was not ready to concede. With just under a minute remaining, TCU managed to cut the lead to two points, thanks to a three-pointer that sent their fans into a frenzy. However, Utah's composure under pressure was evident as they executed their late-game strategy effectively, converting free throws and making crucial defensive stops. Head Coach Craig Smith expressed relief and pride in his team's performance, noting the significance of this win for the program. "We’ve been through a lot lately, and I’m proud of how the guys responded today. They showed a lot of heart and determination, which is what we need moving forward in this tough conference," Smith said. The victory not only boosts the Utes' morale but also provides momentum as they prepare for upcoming matchups in the Big 12. As Utah looks ahead, they will need to build on this success and address areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining consistent offensive production and tightening their defensive rotations. The Utes have their sights set on climbing the conference standings and making a push for postseason play. The thrilling win against TCU serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where a single victory can reignite a team's season. With their first Big 12 win now in the books, the Runnin' Utes will be eager to carry this momentum into their next game as they aim to establish themselves as a competitive force in their new conference.