Utah brushed past an overmatched Portland team today 106-94. Always politically correct, Utah coach Coach Young stated simply "We just managed to do what we needed to get done out there. The players had solid execution all around, and Perkins's effort helped set the pace. Portland is a team we've had success against in the past, which I think gave us a bit more confidence coming in."

Portland coach Bob was a little more frank. "We knew going in that we'd need a miracle to beat Utah, and we didn't get it. They have better players and a better coach, and did what they were supposed to do out there. I'm just glad the final score wasn't even worse."

Utah was led by Perkins (34 points, 2 blocks), Robinson (18 points, 2 assists, 3 blocks), Patton (13 points, 3 assists, a steal, a block). Portland was led by Smith (37 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals), Kimbell (32 points, 4 blocks), Mcneil (5 points, 1 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks).

Utah improve to 9-2 and 8-0 at home. They remain at #1 in the Northwest and advance to #2 overall in the Western Conference. Portland fall to 7-5 with this loss. They move down to #4 in the Northwest and fall to #8 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Utah* roster Portland roster