Upcoming Event: Men's Basketball versus Nevada [Exh] on October 17, 2025
![Nevada [Exh]](https://images.sidearmdev.com/crop?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net%2Fsidearm.nextgen.sites%2Futahutes.com%2Fimages%2Flogos%2FNevadaAthletics_Navy.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
Men's Basketball
vs Nevada [Exh]
![Oregon [Exh]](https://images.sidearmdev.com/crop?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net%2Fsidearm.nextgen.sites%2Futahutes.com%2Fimages%2Flogos%2Foregon.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
Runnin' Utes Hit the Road to Face Pepperdine
12/21/2009 12:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 21, 2009
Utah at Pepperdine - Updated Game Notes 
Coach Boylen Press Conference Quotes
2009-10 Utah Basketball Tickets
2009-10 Utah Men's Basketball Schedule
SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah men's basketball team (5-6) hits the road this week to take on Pepperdine (3-10) in Malibu, Calif. on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PT at Firestone Fieldhouse.
The Runnin' Utes are 5-1 all-time against the Waves, including a 2-0 record on Pepperdine's campus. In the last meeting between these two teams, Utah topped the Waves, 76-69, in Salt Lake City, Jan., 5, 2004. Their last clash in Malibu resulted in a 77-61 Utah victory, Dec. 20, 2002.
Utah is looking to end a two-game skid that includes a 73-63 loss to Illinois State in its last outing. Senior forward Kim Tillie (Cagnes-sur-Mer, France) was the Utes' leading scorer in the game, pouring in 19 points and chipping in seven rebounds. Senior guard Luka Drca (Belgrade, Serbia) tied a pair of career-highs, scoring 18 points and grabbing eight boards.
Utah's top scorer on the year is junior guard Carlon Brown (Riverside, Calif.), averaging 13.2 points per game, while ranking second in rebounding with 5.8 boards per contest. The Utes are led on the glass by Tillie at 6.5 rebounds per game, while Drca is the Utes' top assist man, averaging 4.3 helpers per contest.
Pepperdine is looking to end its own losing streak, now at six consecutive games, including four straight losses at home. Most recently, the Waves dropped a 78-72 decision to New Mexico State on Friday. Pepperdine plays one more game before hosting the Utes, traveling to UC Irvine Monday night.
The Waves' top scorer is sophomore guard Keion Bell, averaging 20.9 points per game. He also leads the team in assists at 4.0 per game, while ranking third on the squad in rebounding at 5.2 per contest. Sophomore forward Taylor Darby leads the squad in rebounds at 5.1 per game.
Utah head coach Jim Boylen is in his third season at the helm and holds a 47-31 (.603) record. Pepperdine is coached by Tom Asbury, who owns a 137-92 (.598) record as the Waves' head coach. He is in his second stint at that position, having coached Pepperdine from 1988-1994, before returning in 2008.
Utah's next home game is slated for Tuesday, Dec. 29, as the Runnin' Utes host Texas-San Antonio at 7 p.m. MT.
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Forward
/ Men's BasketballMeet the Runnin’ Utes Staff: Erick Schork
Thursday, August 28
Utah Basketball | Team Together - Episode 2
Thursday, August 21
Fan Fest 2025 Coaches and Players Interviews: Men's Basketball
Sunday, August 17
Meet the Runnin’ Utes Staff: Victoria Sun
Wednesday, July 23