Utah News

The tandem of Lynne Roberts and her Utah women’s basketball head coach successor, Gavin Petersen, have earned plenty of memorable wins over the past several seasons.

Count the Utes’ 87-77 overtime victory over No. 8 TCU Saturday night in that category, as the 2,731 fans who showed up at the Huntsman Center were treated to an unforgettable night.

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“What a game. So proud of our team rising to the occasion, putting together another game in terms of intensity, and focusing for 40 minutes,” Petersen said.

“I’m really proud of us fully buying into the process of putting a team together, and we’re starting to get there. I’m so extremely proud of them.”

Lani White, the fan-favorite senior guard, had a signature moment when her team needed it most.

With the Utes trailing by three late in the fourth quarter after TCU had scored seven straight points to regain momentum and the lead, White came off a screen and hit a 3 to tie the contest at 67-67.

The shot didn’t swish — rather, it kind of rattled around the inside of the rim before going down.

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Doesn’t matter. The points counted the same either way.

“To be quite honest, I was confident in the shot. I felt the seams of the ball in the right spots on my hands and I just let that thing fly,” White said.

“I heard all of my teammates saying, ‘Shoot it,’ so I didn’t hesitate. I just let it go. Regardless of how it fell on the rim, I’m just happy how we ended the game.”

TCU couldn’t win it on the other end with 10 seconds to get a game-winning shot to fall, and the teams headed to overtime, where Utah made the plays — including another big White 3-pointer — to earn the victory.

It capped a wildly entertaining, if not rollercoaster week for the Utes, who fell by a point in a thriller Wednesday to an Arizona State team that entered that contest unbeaten on the season.

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This time, Utah found a way to deliver a highly regarded team its first loss.

In the process, the Utes (11-4, 2-1 Big 12) made history. It was the 11th time in school history that Utah has beaten a top 10 team, and it’s the fourth straight season the Utes have beaten a top 10 program.

That is a school record streak.

TCU, meanwhile, was chasing history going into the game. The Horned Frogs were seeking the school’s longest single-season win streak and best start to a season when they arrived in Salt Lake City.

TCU (14-1, 2-1 Big 12) also had a 12-game win streak against Big 12 competition that dated back to last season, and the Horned Frogs had won by an average of 17 points in that stretch.

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TCU’s closest win of the season going into Saturday was a 10-point victory over then-No. 10 NC State back in November.

The Utes spoiled the Horned Frogs’ fun — and won — to snap those streaks.

It’s a critical Quad 1 victory for Utah, which appears to be building momentum and confidence as it enters the teeth of league play.

“We only have room to go forward. We can only go up, and it takes 1 through 13, and I think tonight proved that it takes everyone,” White said.

“But this team has bought in. We all have to buy in constantly, and we have to indulge and sacrifice for play like this. So it was a good night, it was a team win, but yeah, we can only go forward. That’s what we do.”

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Saturday’s contest was a battle as neither team led by more than six points in regulation, and they both took turns making key plays.

TCU, despite shooting under 30% in the second quarter, had just one turnover in the period and used that to push to a 38-33 halftime lead.

Utah fought back, holding the Horned Frogs’ offense in check in the third quarter. The Utes outscored their visitors 18-11 in the period to go into the final stanza with a two-point lead.

Two 3-pointers by Reese Ross and another from Maty Wilke in the third flipped momentum and were part of a solid 3-point shooting night for the Utes, who were 13 of 23 from outside.

It looked like Utah was on its way to winning in regulation when Ross’ third 3 of the night made it 63-58 with just over four minutes to play, but to TCU’s credit, it kept fighting.

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After the game went two and a half minutes with neither team scoring, TCU’s Marta Suarez hit a 3 to make it 64-63 Utes. Then, after a Utah turnover, Donovyn Hunter drained a 3 to give TCU the lead back.

Ross had a chance to tie the game at the free-throw line, but she missed two free throws, and Horned Frogs star Olivia Miles went to the line with 22.3 seconds to play with the opportunity to make it a two-score game.

She missed the first, then hit the second — and Utah still had a chance.

That set up the White heroics, as she made the game-tying 3 and forced an extra session.

Utah, playing in front of an energized crowd, owned the overtime period, going up seven when White hit a 3-pointer with 2:47 to play in OT.

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That was the Utes’ last field goal of the game, and while Utah missed a handful of free throws down the stretch, it made enough (22 of 33 on the night) to fend off the Horned Frogs.

It spoiled the efforts from TCU stars Miles (31 points, seven rebounds, seven assists) and Suarez (23 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals).

TCU coach Mark Campbell, though, made his feelings clear — Utah earned this win.

“We had a chance to steal this game. We didn’t deserve this game,” he said. “They outplayed us.”

White just missed a career high by scoring 25 points on 9 of 17 from the field and 4 of 6 from 3. She added five rebounds, two assists and a block.

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That was just one of several highlight efforts from a true team win, from seniors such as White and Maty Wilke to freshmen such as Evelina Otto and LA Sneed.

Ross had 15 points to go with six rebounds, as the Utes outrebounded TCU, 43-39 — a significant stat, as the Horned Frogs entered the contest 12th in the nation in rebounding.

“I think that’s what makes our team so great, just the ability to be gritty and tough,” Ross said. “We do rebounding drills every single day and we harp on it. We have this little box on our charts that we look back at every game and we have rebounding goals. We make rebounding a priority.

“We talk about those opportunities to get extra chances and that comes from rebounding, whether that’s on the offensive end giving us opportunities or on the defensive end limiting their opportunities. Rebounding is just as important as scoring to us.”

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Campbell stressed that the loss is a learning opportunity for his team that is still getting to know each other’s capabilities, and that the Horned Frogs know they’re going to be getting everyone’s best shot being the defending Big 12 champions.

Added Campbell, “They just outtoughed us tonight.”

Wilke had a loaded stat line, with 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals, though she had six turnovers.

Brooke Walker, in her second game back from injury, added 10 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Otto nearly had a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds in one of her best — and perhaps most impactful — games of the year.

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She and Sneed, who had six points, five rebounds and three assists, played key moments down the stretch.

“It starts at practice. It’s just the culmination of practice. Playing in practice, being able to get game experience, and it’s adding all those things up. Everyone who gets on the court, we have the utmost confidence in them being able to do their job and bring some kind of spark or energy coming off the bench,” Petersen said.

“Our three freshmen have been thrown into the fire since Day 1, and just the way they respond and the way they are just attacking each and every moment, that’s a great first year for them to continue to build on here at Utah.”

TCU was out of sorts offensively as well. The Horned Frogs came into the night 10th nationally in shooting, at 50% from the floor. Against Utah, though, TCU shot just 38% overall, 9 of 39 from 3-point range and had two quarters where it shot under 30%.

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“They’re a really good offensive team. They can really shoot it. Tonight was more we were just really sloppy and undisciplined,” Campbell said of Utah.

“But they share the ball, they move the ball, they play hard together, and so if you’re not dialed in on all of those things, they can score a lot of points. They run a great system, and we were poor defensively.”

For the homestanding Utes, it was the kind of victory that sends a message to the rest of the Big 12 as Utah prepares to go on a two-game road trip to Kansas and Kansas State next week.

“TCU is a phenomenal team that people are still chasing. … They’re still the team to beat, so yes, absolutely (it’s a) staple win,” Petersen said.

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“But for us, and because of the youthfulness you guys continue to talk about, which is very valid and true, we’re just trying to win every practice. We want to go 1 and 0 every day in practice, and hopefully the good habits are outweighing the bad habits, and we’re eliminating some of the bad habits, and we keep getting opportunities to go 1 and 0.”

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Lani White scored 25 points to lead Utah past No. 8 TCU 87-77 in overtime Saturday night.

Reese Ross added 15 points and Maty Wilke had 12 for the Utes. Evelina Otto finished with 10 points and eight rebounds. Utah (11-4, 2-1 Big 12) made 13 3-pointers and shot 56.5% from long distance.

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Olivia Miles had 31 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to pace the Horned Frogs (14-1, 2-1). Marta Suarez added 23 points and 11 rebounds. TCU shot just 37% from the field, including 9 of 39 from 3-point range.

White forced overtime by making a 3-pointer that tied it 67-all with 12 seconds left in regulation. Utah never trailed in OT and went up 76-69 with 2:47 left after White capped a 9-2 run with her fourth outside basket.

TCU used a 7-0 spurt to erase a four-point deficit in the final minute of the fourth quarter. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Suarez and Donovyn Hunter put TCU up 66-64 with 49 seconds remaining.

Ross had a chance to tie it on two free throws with 33.3 seconds left, but missed both. Miles made one of two foul shots with 22 seconds to go before White tied it.

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Utah took advantage of cold shooting by the Horned Frogs to pull ahead in the third quarter. Back-to-back baskets from Suarez were TCU’s only field goals over an eight-minute stretch. The Utes scored on three straight possessions, culminating in a layup from Wilke, to take a 52-48 lead.

Miles made back-to-back baskets to put the Horned Frogs back up 58-56. Utah used a 7-0 run, punctuated by a 3-pointer from Ross, to go ahead 63-58 with 4:32 left in regulation.

Up next

TCU hosts Oklahoma State on Wednesday.

Utah plays at Kansas on Wednesday.

___

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah leaders are reacting to the U.S. capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday.

The United States carried out a lightning military strike on Venezuela early Saturday, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and spiriting them out of the country. American officials say the pair will face narco-terrorism charges in U.S. courts.

The overnight operation left Venezuela reeling, with its leadership uncertain and details of casualties and the impact on its military still to emerge. Countries across the region and the wider world were absorbing the destabilizing implications of the apparently unilateral U.S. action.

Sen. Mike Lee was among the first to comment.

Sen. Lee first reacted to the news early Saturday morning, stating, “I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force” on X.

Within a couple hours, Lee said that he spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“Just got off the phone with @SecRubio,” Lee posted on X. “He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack.”

Lee added that Rubio anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody.

Utah Sen. John Curtis also spoke on the matter.

“I’ve stood on the border between Venezuela and Colombia and witnessed the level of human suffering inflicted by the Maduro regime. I’ve seen the human cost of failed authoritarian socialism made even worse by the ties to drug cartels, terrorist groups, Russia, and Iran which threaten Americans in our own hemisphere,” Sen. Curtis posted on X. “As Chair of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I expect a full and timely briefing on the nature, scope, and impact of these actions.”

Utah Rep. Burgess Owens also commented, praising Trump’s decision and the “courage, discipline, and precision” of American military forces.

“American forces acted with courage, discipline, and precision to apprehend Nicolás Maduro, a narco-terrorist responsible for the deaths of over 300,000 innocent Americans. Indicted and criminally charged in U.S. federal court in 2020 he was never a legitimate head of Venezuela,” Owens posted on X. “I am deeply grateful to those who executed this action and thankful that no American lives were lost. I am praying for the full recovery of those injured. Justice is finally being served, and Venezuela now has a real chance at a future free from criminal rule and rooted in law, stability, and freedom. God bless America and the Venezuelan people.”

Rep. Mike Kennedy said he is “closely monitoring” the situation in Venezuela.

“The Nicolás Maduro regime has long operated as narco-terrorists and a serious driver of drug cartel activity in the United States,” Rep. Kennedy said on X. “I await President Trump’s further clarity regarding the scope and strategic intent of these actions.”

Sen. Nate Blouin denounced the attack, calling for Trump’s impeachment.

“We cannot let this happen. Trump is dragging us into another conflict and Congress is enabling him. Stop playing along,” Blouin posted on X.

After President Trump’s press conference, Blouin posted again on X saying, “Trump just made clear this attack was not about democracy, but about oil. He will be handing the Venezuelan oil industry to American oligarchs who support corporate-backed politicians on both sides of the aisle.”

He went on to say, “It will be abundantly clear who was serious when they called for an end to American imperialism and who was merely bowing to Trump. I am committed to opposing unchecked US military interventions, whether in Gaza or in Caracas.”

Salt Lake City Councilman, Carlos Moreno posted his statement on X stating, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the calls, texts, and messages from hundreds of friends today. My family and I are deeply moved by the outpouring of love we’ve received regarding the fall of the Venezuelan regime. This moment is incredibly personal to me. Just a few years ago, I was a political asylee who had lost his country and today, I share this statement as a Salt Lake County Councilman and a proud American citizen. America is not a dream; America is a miracle!”

Other Utah leaders are expected to react to the news of Maduro’s capture on Saturday.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.

It’s Game Day!

The top-ranked Arizona Wildcats begin Big 12 Conference play with a visit to the Utah Utes.

Here’s all the info you need to watch, listen to or follow the game online:

Arizona-Utah game time, details:

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

• Time: 2 p.m. MT

• Location: Huntsman Center; Salt Lake City, Utah

• Line: According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Arizona is a 17.5-point favorite and the over/under is 161.5. KenPom.com gives the UA a 94 percent chance of winning.

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How can I watch Arizona-Utah?

Arizona-Utah will be shown on Peacock. James Westling (play-by-play) and Matt Muehlebach (analyst) will be calling the game.

How can I stream Arizona-Utah online?

The stream of Arizona-Utah can be viewed on Peaccock.

How can I listen to Arizona-Utah on the radio?

You can listen to Arizona-Utah on Wildcats Sports Radio 1290 AM.

How can I follow Arizona-Utah?

By following us on Twitter (X) at @AZDesertSwarm and our editor Brian Pedersen (@realBJP) or the team account (@ArizonaMBB).

Arizona-Utah pregame coverage:

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – Morgan Scalley didn’t have to go far to find his new defensive coordinator.

Linebackers coach Colton Swan has been promoted to become the Utes new defensive coordinator, a role Scalley fulfilled the last ten years before becoming head coach last week. Swan will continue to coach the linebackers.

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Swan has been on the Utah staff since 2019, spending the last seven seasons tutoring a linebackers group that has earned seven First Team All-Conference nods.

“Colton is the personification of the RSNB culture we’ve established here at Utah and he will thrive in his new role as defensive coordinator,” Scalley said in a statement. “He is as good of a teacher as you will find in the game and his love for his players is unmatched. I’m confident in the continued success of this defense under Coach Swan’s leadership.”

Jason Beck leaving Utah to join Whittingham at Michigan

Swan has coached five linebackers that have that reached the NFL ranks, including Devin Lloyd—who became the highest-drafted linebacker in Utah history after being selected 27th overall by Jacksonville in the 2022 NFL Draft. Francis Bernard, Mohamoud Diabate, Karene Reid and Nephi Sewell also made NFL rosters after playing for Swan at Utah.

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“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Utah defense this upcoming season,” Swan said. “As I enter my eighth year alongside Coach Scalley, Utah has truly become home for my family and I’m eager to continue building on the strong culture that has been established here. Our defense will reflect what this program always stood for – smart, tough and relentless football – values instilled over the years by Coach Scalley and Coach Whittingham. We embrace championship expectations in 2026, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with our players.”

Prior to the Utes, Swan coached 15 seasons under five head coaches at Weber State. He worked with the linebackers for seven years—the last two seasons as inside linebackers coach (2017-18). He served as the Wildcats’ co-defensive coordinator for three seasons from 2009-11 and was the special teams coordinator for the final five years (co-coordinator in 2014). Swan also coached the safeties (2006-08) and tight ends (2014-16).

Morgan Scalley era begins with Las Vegas Bowl romp

Swan coached eight All-Americans at Weber State while his players racked up 15 first-team All-Big Sky honors during his time at the school.

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Scalley’s next task is to find a new offensive coordinator to replace Jason Beck, who left to join Kyle Whittingham at Michigan.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — For over 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival has highlighted independent filmmaking and showcased heartfelt stories and talented directors.

2026 is the final year that Sundance Film Festival will be held in Utah. The festival will run from Jan. 22, 2026, through Feb. 1, 2026, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, with the at-home program available online from Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, 2026.

2026 Sundance Film Festival lineup revealed

Single film tickets for in-person and online screenings go on sale Jan. 14 and limited quantities of select passes and packages remain on sale.

However, if you wish to celebrate the festival’s rich history, here are some of the top films to stream for your personal greatest-hits Sundance.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

“Reservoir Dogs”, the first film Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed, premiered at the 1992 Sundance Film Festival. The film was picked up by Miramax for a wide release in Oct. of the same year.

The film, which follows a group of diamond thieves whose heist of a jewelry store goes terribly wrong, established Tarantino’s signature tone and satirical style, and became the standard for what is known as “Tarantino-esque.”

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

27 years ago, “The Blair Witch Project” left a lasting legacy on the horror genre. The mockumentary premiered at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and left viewers wondering if the found footage they just watched was truly fictional.

The horror film tells the story of three film students who traveled to a small Maryland town to collect documentary footage about the Blair Witch. It also screened at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival and won the ‘Award of the Youth.’

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Following Napoleon, a quirky high schooler with a unique personality and eccentric family, “Napoleon Dynamite” premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival and quickly gained a cult following.

The indie film has strong ties to Utah. The production team consisted almost entirely of Brigham Young University students and alumni, and the film was sold to Fox Searchlight Studios for $4.75 million.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

At the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, audiences followed a quirky family on a road trip to California so their young daughter could compete in a beauty pageant. The dramedy was sold to Fox Searchlight Pictures and went on to become a beloved film.

The film was a box office success, earning approximately $100 million. The cast and crew won multiple awards, including two Academy Awards and two BAFTAs.

Whiplash (2014)

A survey of more than 500 filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals named “Whiplash” the top Sundance film of all time. The psychological drama, centered on an ambitious music student, was first released as a short film and later expanded into a feature.

“Whiplash” won the Sundance Short Film Jury Prize and grossed nearly $50 million. It also earned three Oscars in 2015: Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.

Get Out (2017)

“Get Out” marked Jordan Peele’s debut as a director and premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Universal Pictures picked up the film, releasing it in the same year. It received 154 awards.

The horror thriller follows a young African American man visiting his white girlfriend’s family for an unsettling weekend and grossed approximately $259 million worldwide.

CODA (2022)

“CODA,” a story about a girl caught between following her dreams and fearing to leave her deaf parents, debuted at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, earning the Grand Juror Prize.

This heartfelt film won three Oscars, including Best Motion Picture, along with 66 other awards, and was nominated for 149.

A Real Pain (2024)

Directed by Jesse Eisenberg and featuring Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain” achieved significant success after its premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

The movie has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and follows mismatched cousins who reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their grandmother.

Latest headlines:

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.

The Utah Utes have a new defensive coordinator for the first time since 2016.

With former defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley taking over as head coach, the Ute defense will be run by Colton Swan.

“Colton is the personification of the RSNB culture we’ve established here at Utah and he will thrive in his new role as defensive coordinator,” Scalley said in a press release. “He is as good of a teacher as you will find in the game and his love for his players is unmatched. I’m confident in the continued success of this defense under Coach Swan’s leadership.”

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Swan has coached the linebackers at Utah since 2019, and since he took over, the position has been a strength more often than not for the Utes.

Most notably, Swan coached Devin Lloyd, who was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 27th pick of the 2022 NFL draft. He also developed Francis Bernard, Mohamoud Diabate, Karene Reid and Nephi Sewell, all of whom got a shot in the NFL.

Given that Swan has been a part of Scalley’s defensive staff for seven years, he has immense knowledge of the scheme Utah’s new head coach has run.

Additionally, he has been mentored by Kyle Whittingham, Scalley and Jay Hill, the latter of whom left BYU on Thursday to become Whittingham’s defensive coordinator at Michigan.

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“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Utah defense this upcoming season,” Swan said in a press release.

“As I enter my eighth year alongside Coach Scalley, Utah has truly become home for my family and I’m eager to continue building on the strong culture that has been established here. Our defense will reflect what this program always stood for — smart, tough and relentless football — values instilled over the years by Coach Scalley and Coach Whittingham. We embrace championship expectations in 2026, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with our players.”

Prior to Utah, Swan coached at Weber State for 15 years, with five of those seasons coming under Hill (2014-18).

It’s not Swan’s first rodeo as defensive coordinator. He was co-defensive coordinator with Jake Cookus from 2009-11 while former Ute head coach Ron McBride was at the helm at Weber State.

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In 2009, Swan’s and Cookus’ defense allowed 21.7 points per game (best in the nine-team Big Sky) and 375.8 yards per game (third in the Big Sky).

In 2010 and 2011, Weber State allowed 31.1 points (sixth in Big Sky) and 32.2 points (seventh in Big Sky) per game, though the total numbers are skewed a bit from the overmatched Wildcats playing FBS teams in both of those years.

This time around, Swan, who has risen up the coaching ranks over his career, will be the sole defensive coordinator and have much, much better defensive talent than he did in Ogden.

Scalley, and Utah’s players, believe Swan is the right person to take over the defense as the Utes head into the first year of the Scalley era.

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“We love Coach Scalley and he brings an energy to this team that is completely different. I’m personally super excited about him being the head coach and coach Swan being the DC. We’re super excited about that,” linebacker Trey Reynolds said on the ESPN 700 postgame show after the Las Vegas Bowl.

With Swan in place, the next move will be to finalize a few positions on his defensive staff.

Utah will need a new defensive ends coach after Lewis Powell left to join Whittingham’s staff at Michigan, and with Scalley taking over as head coach, the Utes will also need a new safeties coach.

Swan will still coach the linebackers, while Luther Elliss (defensive tackles) and Sharieff Shah (cornerbacks/special teams) have remained on Utah’s staff.