Angel City allowed a first half goal and after a red card was issued to Maiara Niehus, Angel City played the second half with 10 players and fell 1-0 at BMO Stadium.
Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) chases the ball against Utah Royals defender Kate del Fava during the first half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC midfielder Evelyn Shores (15) moves the ball against the Utah Royals during the first half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Riley Tiernan, front, recovers the ball against the Utah Royals during the first half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC defender Gisele Thompson, left, moves the ball against the Utah Royals during the first half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir, front, recovers the ball against the Utah Royals during the first half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Jun Endo, right, recovers the ball defended by Utah Royals midfielder Courtney Brown (16) during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC fans hold up signs during the second half of an NWSL match against the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC midfielder Ary Borges, back, vies for the ball with Utah Royals midfielder Dayana Pierre-Louis, front, during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC defender Emily Sams kicks the ball against the Utah Royals during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC defender Gisele Thompson (20) controls the ball against the Utah Royals during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Prisca Chilufya (24) winds up to kick the ball against the Utah Royals during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC midfielder Taylor Suarez (99) recovers the ball defended by Utah Royals forward Cloé Lacasse (24)
during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC goalkeeper Angelina Anderson (19) kicks the ball; against the Utah Royals during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir winds up to take a goal shot against the Utah Royals during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
An Angel City FC supporter cheers against the Utah Royals during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Utah Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, left, eavesdrops on Angel City FC midfielder Ary Borges, center, and teammate defender Sarah Gorden (11) during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Prisca Chilufya, right, is upended by Utah Royals defender Kate del Fava, bottom, during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC defender Gisele Thompson, center, moves the ball between Utah Royals midfielder Narumi, left, and defender Kaleigh Riehl during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Prisca Chilufya, left, pushes off on Utah Royals midfielder Narumi during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) heads the ball defended by Utah Royals defender Ana Tejada (17) during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC head coach Alexander Straus, center, look on against the Utah Royals during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) signals to teammates to back up against the Utah Royals during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
A fan reacts during the second half of an NWSL match between the Angel City FC and the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC midfielder Nealy Martin, left, vies for the ball with Utah Royals defender Ana Tejada during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Angel City FC midfielder Maiara Niehues, center, vies for the ball with Utah Royals defender Ana Tejada (17) and forward Mina Tanaka during the second half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes, second from right, plays the drums during the second half of an NWSL match between the Angel City FC and the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Utah Royals won 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
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Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) chases the ball against Utah Royals defender Kate del Fava during the first half of an NWSL match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LOS ANGELES — The wild “NWSL After Dark” moments didn’t have anything on Angel City FC before sunset in Saturday’s meeting with the Utah Royals.
In one of the wildest and chaotic games in its short history, Angel City (3-3, 11 points) ended up on the wrong end of two video review decisions, both would have given the club a penalty attempt, saw a player sent off with a red card, and in the end, it all added up to a third consecutive defeat.
Utah Royals’ Cloé Lacasse’s first-half goal stood up as the difference-maker, handing Angel City a 1-0 defeat at BMO Stadium. The win was the fourth consecutive for the Royals (4-2-1, 13 points).
The game took a turn in the first half, even after Utah’s opening goal. Angel City midfielder Maiara Niehues was issued a red card for violent conduct after a swing of her elbow toward a Utah player, just before halftime.
“It happens probably two meters in front of me,” Angel City coach Alex Straus said of Niehues’ incident. “So I have the best view in our stadium. … I’m not going to say anything more about it. It changed the game.”
In the second half, with 10 players, Angel City went into a “tactics-free zone” early, pushing from all angles. The first video review decision came in the 65th minute. Ary Borges attempted to play a ball inside the penalty area, but she collided with a Utah defender. Referee Lauren Aldrich was called over the video review, and after a long review, it was determined that Borges had initiated the foul.
Later, Prisca Chilufya was knocked down at the edge of the penalty area by another Utah defender and Aldrich didn’t hesitate in pointing to the penalty spot. However, after another trip to the video monitor, she ruled that Kate Del Fava didn’t commit a foul.
“If we come out in the first half like we did in the second, we win that game,” Angel City defender Emily Sams said. “It’s something that we can learn from that we don’t have to wait until we’re without a player.
“The goals that we’re conceding, we’re doing it ourselves. I think that’s a big talking point. We haven’t had a game where a team has really broken us down and obviously outplayed us, so I think we just really need to continue to be switched on in our moments.”
The end result for the lengthy video reviews was an 11-minute second-half stoppage time period.
It was all looking smooth for Angel City before the international break. Angel City won its first three games of the season, suffering its first loss before the break against the Orlando Pride.
The lone loss, probably should have been at least a draw, but the Orlando Pride scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
Since returning from the break, Angel City has suffered losses to the Portland Thorns and now the Royals.
“I said the same thing when we were winning three games (in a row) and everybody lost their mind and said how great we were,” Straus said. “We tried to keep everybody down, grounded. … We’re not terrible now. … We should have won (tonight), we should have won against Portland (last Sunday), if you look at all the stats.
“This was a big problem with Angel City last year and it’s a big problem the year before and the year before is to make these games draws or make these games three points.”
Angel City will conclude its string of three consecutive home games Saturday against San Diego Wave FC. After Saturday, Angel city will have four games remaining before the NWSL pauses for the FIFA World Cup, returning in early July.
Another day, another blowout win for Utah baseball over BYU. The Cougars allowed eight Ute runs for the second time in less than a 24-hour span on Saturday, falling 8-3 at Miller Park in Provo. Utah, …
Another day, another blowout win for Utah baseball over BYU.
The Cougars allowed eight Ute runs for the second time in less than a 24-hour span on Saturday, falling 8-3 at Miller Park in Provo.
Utah, which also won 8-1 on Friday, clinched the weekend series victory by taking two of three contests, while the Utes and BYU will split their regular season matchups with two wins apiece.
Matt Flaharty’s three-run homer headlined a five-run third inning that made all the difference for Utah, as the Utes scored more runs in that single frame than the Cougars could muster all game.
“We couldn’t find a rhythm, we couldn’t get anything going,” BYU head coach Trent Pratt said postgame.
“When we got a hit, we (hit into a) double play. Give them credit, they made pitches when they had to, they got a couple of big hits when they had to.”
Utah tallied 14 hits in all — six for extra bases — and chased BYU starter Cayson Bell out of the ballgame after just eight outs.
In addition to Flaharty’s longball, Cameron Gurney provided four base knocks to drive in three runs, Jake Long hit two doubles, Luke Jacobs and Jet Gilliam each had two hits and all but one Ute starter reached safely at least once.
Seth Graham-Pippin opened the day for Utah on the mound, tossing 4 and 2/3 innings of two-run ball with five strikeouts, while Kaden Soder’s three innings of relief notched him the win.
While Bell’s outing was brief, BYU’s Nate Gray came out of the bullpen for more than five innings of work and allowed just two runs and recorded eight punchouts.
The Cougars did have eight hits, but they struggled situationally in batting just 1 for 16 with runners on base.
Bryker Hurdsman tallied three hits, Crew McChesney reached base three times with a home run and Ezra McNaughton put a ball over the fence as well.
Utah now moves to 23-19 on the year and 11-13 in Big 12 play, while BYU is a .500 ballclub both overall (23-23) and against league foes (12-12).
The Utes next face UVU at home next Tuesday before a three-game trip to TCU, and the Cougars will hit the road for a game at UNLV on Tuesday followed by three games at Texas Tech.
The Utah Mammoth’s inaugural trip to the NHL Playoffs ended suddenly on Friday following a 5-1 loss to Vegas in Game 6 of the first round series.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Mammoth’s inaugural trip to the NHL Playoffs ended suddenly on Friday following a 5-1 loss to Vegas in Game 6 of the first round series.
With the win, the Golden Knights captured the series 4-2, riding three straight victories. Vegas will now face Anaheim in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Down by 2 goals in the third period, Utah found life when Kailer Yamamoto halved the Vegas lead with a goal that jolted the Delta Center crowd awake. However, the frenzy was short-lived as Colton Sissons beat Karel Vejmelka minutes later to once again give the Golden Knights a 2-goal lead.
Despite a late game charge and pulling Vejmelka from net, Utah failed to put another goal on the scoreboard and Vegas left the ice with a series win.
Late in the first period, Brett Howden broke a scoreless tie by picking up where he left off after scoring the Game 5 winner in double overtime.
Golden Knights star Mitch Marner made it 2-0 Vegas in the second period with his first goal of the postseason. Marner scored again in the third period to give the Golden Knights an insurmountable 4-1 lead, which swelled to a 5-1 with an empty net goal.
Despite the disappointing end to the season, the Mammoth are clearly seen around the NHL as a team on the rise, with its first playoff appearance providing valuable experience to the players and franchise.
Utah drivers could soon see some relief at the pump this summer, thanks to a gas tax cut passed earlier this year.Drivers say rising gas prices are hitting thei …
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Utah drivers could soon see some relief at the pump this summer, thanks to a gas tax cut passed earlier this year.
Drivers say rising gas prices are hitting their wallets hard, and it’s getting tough to keep up.
“I’m not a big fan,” Jason Wilko said. “Prices keep going up, and I don’t see an end in sight right now.”
MORE | Gas Prices
That’s especially true for people who rely on their cars every day.
“It’s frustrating to have to shell out more money for fuel more than once a week because prices just keep going up,” Wilko said.
Back in March, state lawmakers passed House Bill 575, a temporary gas tax cut aimed at giving drivers some relief.
Starting July 1, the state will reduce its gas tax by 6 cents per gallon. That’s about a 15% cut, and it will last through Dec. 31.
Supporters say the measure is meant to ease pressure on families while prices remain high.
The bill also includes efforts to boost local fuel production and streamline the permitting process for pipeline changes that lawmakers hope could help stabilize supply in the long term.
For drivers, even a small drop at the pump could make a difference.
“It will make some difference, for sure,” Wilko said. “I’m in favor of any cut they can make. Any reduction in gas prices is great.”
The law tries to crack down on minors using VPNs to access porn sites. But its vague wording could have unintended consequences, NordVPN and the Electronic Frontier Foundation warn.
The law tries to crack down on minors using VPNs to access porn sites. But its vague wording could have unintended consequences, NordVPN and the Electronic Frontier Foundation warn.
Principal Reporter
OUR EXPERT
When he’s not battling bugs and robots in Helldivers 2, Michael is reporting on AI, satellites, cybersecurity, PCs, and tech policy.
A hunter was shot during the opening week of Utah’s limited-entry turkey season, after another hunter mistook their decoys and fired.Officials with the Departme …
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A hunter was shot during the opening week of Utah’s limited-entry turkey season, after another hunter mistook their decoys and fired.
Officials with the Department of Natural Resources said a hunter received emergency medical treatment for a gunshot wound after another hunter fired at them.
They said the victim was hiding in vegetation behind their decoys when a hunter saw a decoy and thought it was a live turkey. The hunter “stalked in and fired” at the decoys, hitting the hunter behind them.
The victim received emergency treatment for the gunshot wound. Their condition was not released.
DNR officials said turkey hunting doesn’t require hunters to wear blaze orange, which increases the importance of positively identifying the turkey before firing a weapon.
“The goal is to bring home a bird, but the priority is making sure everyone makes it home for dinner,” they said. “Stay sharp, stay visible when moving, and always—always—confirm your shot.”
Officials also reminded hunters to verbally announce their location if they see another hunter approaching them.
“Opening weekend should be about the thrill of the hunt and the quiet of the woods. Instead, it served as a harrowing reminder of how quickly a mistake can turn a hunt into a tragedy,” they said.
Utah’s Spring 2026 limited-entry hunts opened on April 11 and closed on Thursday. The youth hunt began on Friday, and the general season opens on Monday.
The identity of the 2026-27 Utah men’s basketball team has come into greater focus over the past few weeks as Alex Jensen and his staff have retooled the roster …
The identity of the 2026-27 Utah men’s basketball team has come into greater focus over the past few weeks as Alex Jensen and his staff have retooled the roster through the transfer portal and international recruiting trails.
The Runnin’ Utes likely aren’t done making moves yet, though for now, they’re set to welcome 12 newcomers to their ranks while bringing back two returners from last season’s 10-22 squad. That leaves one roster spot open for potentially one last portal acquisition before Utah puts a bow on its offseason and moves ahead with preparations for next season.
Until then, let’s take a look at the Utes’ potential depth chart at each position.
Point Guard
1. TJ Burch (Starter)
2025-26 stats at Wright State: 12.4 ppg, 3.6 apg, 2.6 spg and 2.4 rpg in 34 games; shot 45.7% from the field, 34.7% from 3 and 73.3% from the free-throw line
Analysis: We’re predicting Burch gets the starting nod at point guard due to his Division I experience (55 games, 23 starts) and his defensive prowess — the latter of which Utah sorely lacked in its backcourt this past season.
2. Noam Yaacov
2025-26 stats with Filou Oostende (Belgium): 18 ppg, 5.8 apg, 4 rpg in 28 games; shooting 49.5% from the field, 40.2% from 3 and 78% from the free-throw line
Analysis: Yaacov could claim the starting point guard before conference play begins; his decision-making and scoring touch make him Utah’s most NBA-ready guard. Either way, his playmaking is a welcomed addition given Utah averaged just 13.7 assists per game (No. 192 in the country) last season.
3. Styles Clemmons
2025-26 stats with Overtime Elite: 5.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 3.1 apg in 16 games; shot 32.4% from the field, 26.7% from the 3 and 78.9% from the free-throw line
Analysis: Clemmons is a superb athlete who’s ranked by 247Sports as a three-star prospect and the No. 27 point guard recruit in the 2026 class. He spent the past two seasons in the Overtime Elite league.
Shooting Guard
1. Taison Chatman (Starter)
2025-26 stats at Ohio State: 4.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.8 apg in 28 games; shot 46% from the field, 47.1% from 3 and 85% from the free-throw line
Analysis: Chatman is a former four-star recruit who’s dealt with injuries throughout his collegiate career. Given the right opportunities, he could thrive in an off-ball role as a score-first guard who spreads the floor and hunts for his shot.
2. Lucas Langarita
2025-26 stats: 2.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.6 apg in five games; shot 45.5% from the field and 42.9% from 3
Analysis: The 21-year-old Langarita still has room to grow in the playmaking department, though with more repetitions and experience at the Division I level, he could turn into a solid contributor for the Utes.
3. David Katoa
Recruiting: Three-star and No. 43 shooting guard in 2024 class from Utah’s Layton High School (served two-year mission trip after graduating)
Analysis: Katoa arrives to Utah two years removed from his senior year at Layton High School, where he averaged 17.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.5 steals as a senior. His time to shine at the college level could come in due time, though it might not be as a freshman.
4. Simeon Suguturaga
Recruiting: Unranked 2026 recruit from Utah’s Orem High School
Analysis: The 6-foot-4 Suguturaga could turn into a nice player down the line, but given the experienced players ahead of him on the depth chart, there’s a good chance he doesn’t see the floor right away.
Small Forward
1. Jackson Holcombe (Starter)
2025-26 stats at Utah Valley: 16 ppg, 7 rpg, 3.6 apg in 34 games; shot 53% from the field, 16.2% from 3 and 68.2% from the free-throw line
Analysis: Holcombe’s length, dribble penetration and defensive intensity are big additions to Utah’s perimeter depth. He doesn’t exactly spread the floor, but he does provide some playmaking and has a few 3-point shooters surrounding him in the Utes’ backcourt.
2. Alec Anigbata
2025-26 stats with OrangeAcademy (Germany): 5.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.6 apg in 25 games; shot 45.7% from the field, 40% from 3 and 66.7% from the free-throw line
Analysis: Anigbata is a skilled scorer who can create his own opportunities by moving without the ball and creating space off the dribble in the midrange areas. His height at 6-foot-8 also gives the Utes more length.
3. Jaxon Johnson
Recruiting: Four-star and No. 22 power forward in 2024 class from Utah’s Alta High School (served two-year mission trip after graduating)
Analysis: Johnson was listed as a power forward in his recruiting profile, though his ability to knock down shots from behind the arc and play on the perimeter make him a candidate to play more of a wing position with the Utes. However, his playing time could be limited as a freshman with Holcombe and Anigbata ahead of him on the depth chart.
Power Forward
1. Babacar Faye (Starter)
2024-25 stats at Western Kentucky (missed 2025-26 due to injury): 15.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.1 spg in 10 games; shot 53.7% from the field, 38.5% from 3 and 80.4% from the free-throw line
Analysis: Faye’s presence was sorely missed this past season. Assuming he’s fully healthy, his length should help the Utes on both ends of the floor in 2026-27.
2. Zati Loubaki
2025-26 stats at Trinity Valley Community College: 11.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.4 apg in 33 games; shot 52% from the field, 42.5% from 3 and 77% from the free-throw line
Analysis: Loubaki’s athleticism at 6-foot-9 gives the Utes some lineup flexibility, if they chose to slot him at the “3” instead of the “4” behind Faye. That 42.5% 3-point clip is a bit deceiving though, considering he attempted 0.8 3s per game last season.
Center
1. Fynn Schott (Starter)
2025-26 stats with Hestia Menorca (Spain): 2.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.7 apg in 25 games; shot 59% from the field and 37.9% at the free-throw line
Analysis: The Utes didn’t have much of a low post scorer last season and had to rely on their guards to do the heavy lifting on offense. Schott, a 6-foot-10 forward from Austria, should give Utah a scoring option on the low block.
2. Malek Gomma
2025-26 stats at Weber State: 8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.4 apg in 32 games; shot 53.6% from the field, 40% from 3 and 47% from the free-throw line
Analysis: Gomma’s a bruiser in the paint, even if his height at 6-foot-8 doesn’t scream “true center” build.
For the first four innings Thursday night against Utah, the BYU baseball team couldn’t muster any offensive momentum. The Cougars weren’t without opportunities, having put seven men on base, but they …
For the first four innings Thursday night against Utah, BYU couldn’t muster any offensive momentum.
The Cougars weren’t without opportunities, having put seven men on base, but they only managed to get one run out of the early traffic, repeatedly fading with runners in scoring position. Anything that could have become a spark was quickly extinguished.
In the bottom of the fifth, BYU trailed by two runs and had runners at the corners. The Cougars had already stranded two men on three separate occasions, so when Bryker Hurdsman had two strikes against him in a two-out at bat, there was fair reason to believe a fourth such disappointment was imminent.
But Hurdsman wouldn’t be the one to make that third out — it took the Utes another five batters after him to finally escape the frame, at which point BYU had scored five runs to pull ahead with a comfortable cushion.
The Cougars never looked back following their fifth inning breakthrough, as they held on to capture a 6-4 victory in Provo to open the 3-game rivalry series.
BYU pitcher Dan Brousseau (32) reacts after the final out of the eighth inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU infielder Easton Jones (17) throws to first after fielding a ground ball during the second inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU pitcher Wayland Crane (16) pitches during the third inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU pitcher Wayland Crane (16) pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU head coach Trent Pratt and Utah head coach Gary Henderson meet with the umpires before a baseball game at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah pitcher Colter McAnelly (1) pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
The scoreboard shows Star Wars themed graphics during Star Wars night at a BYU baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah pitcher Colter McAnelly (1) pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah infielder Cal Miller (25) celebrates after hitting a double during the second inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU plays Utah in a baseball game at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah outfielder Luke Jacobs (24) calls off Iinfielder Cal Miller (25) as he catches a pop fly during the second inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU infielder Luke Anderson (11) throws to first during the third inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Home plate umpire Casey Moser calls an out after a replay during the third inning of a baseball game between BYU and Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU pitcher Wayland Crane (16) pitches during the third inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU infielder Luke Anderson (11) scores on an RBI single during the third inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah outfielder Jet Gilliam (53) catches a long fly ball during the third inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU infielder Easton Jones (17) throws to first base after fielding a ground ball during the fourth inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah infielder Daniel Arambula (21) celebrates a double during the fifth inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU pitcher Wayland Crane (16) pitches during the fifth inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah infielder Cameron Gurney (18) takes off his gear at first base after hitting a RBI-Single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU outfielder Bryker Hurdsman (13) scores on an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah pitcher Colter McAnelly (1) pitches during the fifth inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU outfielder Tu’alau Wolfgramm (22) celebrates with first base coach Adam Law (7) after hitting an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah pitcher Dylan Gazaway (35) pitches during the fifth inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah pitcher Colter McAnelly (1) walks off of the mound after getting chased during the fifth inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
a baseball game at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU pitcher Dan Brousseau (32) pitches during the sixth inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU outfielder Tu’alau Wolfgramm (22) celebrates with outfielder Crew McChesney (3) after a two-RBI single by catcher Ridge Erickson (29), not pictured, during the fifth inning of a baseball game against Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU pitcher Dan Brousseau (32) reacts after a strikeout during the sixth inning of a baseball against Utah game at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU plays Utah in a baseball game at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah infielder Cal Miller (25) tosses the ball two second base as he tries to help turn a double play during the sixth inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU infielder Easton Jones (17) looks on as Utah infielder Daniel Arambula (21) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Young fans watch from the outfield wall during the eighth inning of a baseball game between BYU and Utah at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU infielder Ryder Robinson (8) attempts to turn a double play but can’t tag Utah outfielder Jet Gilliam (53) before getting Utah infielder Matt Flaharty (2) out at first during the eighth inning of a baseball game at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utah pitcher Cameron Nielson (6) pitches during the seventh inning of a baseball game against BYU at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU pitcher Ashton Johnson (51) points to the sky as a teammate catches a fly ball to record the final out of a 6-4 win over Utah in a baseball game at Larry H. Miller Field in Provo on Thursday, April 30, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
“I think we got unlucky early. We hit some balls hard and got caught, you know what I mean? I thought we had really good at-bats and got (Utah starting pitcher Colter McAnelly’s) pitch count up and maybe wore him down a little bit, so I liked our approach throughout, it was just a matter of time before we got a big hit,” BYU head coach Trent Pratt said postgame.
“We had guys on base every inning, and we just couldn’t come through the big hit, and then in that (fifth) inning, we were able to come through with a couple big hits and put a five on the board.”
Hurdsman kickstarted the two-out BYU rally with the first of three consecutive RBI singles, with Crew McChesney and Tualau Wolfgramm’s respective game-tying and go-ahead knocks each coming on the first pitch they saw.
Even after a Utah pitching change, Matt Hansen walked to load the bases, setting up a Ridge Erickson single to score two more runs and put BYU ahead by three.
The Cougars ended up batting around the order in the fifth — Luke Anderson led off the inning with a single, scored on Hurdsman’s hit and then made the third out.
BYU’s 5 through 9 hitters in the lineup, previously hitless on the night, were the ones to flip the ballgame, all doing so with two outs and exclusively through singles and walking.
“That’s where experience comes in. There’s really nothing they haven’t seen,” Pratt said of his lineup. “A lot of these kids have started for four years, so they don’t get rattled, they don’t get fazed.
“If we get down, they just keep playing, because they know we can strike fast. We have a chance to get back in any game.”
BYU starter Wayland Crane was less than electric on the mound — he allowed five hits, walked three Utah batters, plunked two others and only threw strikes on half of his pitches — but he battled through five innings to allow just one earned run, repeatedly playing Houdini to escape trouble and keep the cold Cougar bats in the ballgame.
With the bases loaded and one out in the third inning, Crane induced a badly-needed double play to keep the Utes off the scoreboard, which Pratt referred to as “the turning point of the game.”
“(Crane) was just gutsy,” Pratt said. “… He wasn’t sharp, but he found a way to just make pitches, and we played good defense behind him to get him out of some jams.”
Dan Brousseau relieved Crane for three innings of one-run ball with three punchouts, and Ashton Johnson tossed a perfect ninth for his fifth save of the season.
“Dan was awesome. He came in and just threw strikes,” Pratt said. “That’s the thing, when we got in trouble, it’s because we walk guys or hit guys. Then (Johnson) does what he always does, we know from the game, he’s gonna throw strikes.
“If someone’s gonna beat us, they have to get a bunch of hits.”
Utah’s seven hits — three for extra bases — proved insufficient, as the road team went 3 for 15 with runners on, including 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.
Daniel Arambula smacked a double, a solo home run and walked, Cal Miller got on base three times and Jet Gilliam logged two hits, but no other Utes reached safely more than once.
While six of his 14 recorded outs came via strikeout, McAnelly was charged for all six of BYU’s runs to take the loss, while Crane came away with his second career win.
BYU now moves to 23-21 on the year and 12-10 in Big 12 play, while the Utes fall to 21-19 and 9-13 against league foes.
The second game of the series will take place Friday at 6 p.m. in Provo.
A looming legal shift in Utah could force websites to block VPNs or mandate universal age checks. Here is how this landmark bill threatens the digital privacy of every resident.
A looming legal shift in Utah could force websites to block VPNs or mandate universal age checks. Here is how this landmark bill threatens the digital privacy of every resident.
That’s not enough for a star-level signing, and with how this year’s free agency class expects to shake out, it’d be hard for Utah to stumble upon an All-Star-level talent on the market anyways.
But in the pool of the veterans that are slated for new contracts around the league this summer, there are several the Jazz should be keeping an eye on as potential fits who can make an impact in next season’s rotation.
Let’s look at a batch of five free agents that could be strong fits for the Jazz:
Robert Williams | C, Trail Blazers (UFA)
Apr 6, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) reacts from the sideline in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Jazz could have a plan in place for their big man rotation next season as is by re-signing Walker Kessler and Jusuf Nurkic to new deals. But if the focus is on bolstering their defensive side of the ball in their frontcourt depth, the Time Lord is worth a look.
Williams has faced consistent injury issues in recent seasons, but this year has been a relatively positive outcome in terms of his availability in production. He played just over 17 minutes a night in 59 games for 6.7 points on over 70% shooting from the field, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
This Jazz front office, with ties to the Celtics and their draft history, has some of the same people who initially selected Williams as a first rounder in 2018. If they wanted to land him on their team once again, this offseason’s free agency would be the time to do so.
Rui Hachumura | PF, Lakers (UFA)
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) shoots the ball during the second half against the Houston Rockets during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Hachimura will be a coveted free agent hitting the market this summer simply due to his outstanding season as a shooter (over 43% 3PT) to pair with his versatile length. But those same reasons are exactly why the LA Lakers forward needs to be on the Jazz’s radar.
He fits the Jazz’s prototypical length and versatility they aspire to in their top players while being able to provide a bit of a better spark on the defensive side of the ball; something Utah and their front office will be searching to add to next year’s roster all offseason.
If Hachimura can fall within the Jazz’s price range, which remains to be determined, he’s a no-brainer to add to their list of free agency targets.
Tobias Harris | SF, Pistons (UFA)
Apr 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
A 15-year veteran with over 1,000 career games played, Harris has proven he can be an impactful and consistent scorer in the frontcourt for years. And as the Jazz are looking to make their official jump to a playoff team, that experience can be largely impactful for a budding roster like Utah.
He’s turning 34 in July, but he’s averaged double figures in every season since 2013, and he’s made the playoffs every year of the past eight seasons.
There’s no doubt he can find a premier role as a connecting piece on the Jazz’s bench to help them make their aspired jump in the standings next season–– even if not exactly filling their defensive needs.
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Offensively, he’s not the most seamless fit for the Jazz. He shot under 40% from the field this season for the Thunder, and would need to be masked by other positive offensive fits around him for truly be effective. Thankfully, Utah does have that.
Dort is the type of player you hate to see competing against you on the other side, but can learn to appreciate if he’s playing for your team. As a high-end defender who’s a proven starter for a championship team, he should be on Utah’s radar.
Marcus Smart | PG, Lakers (PO)
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after a three-point basket in the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
I’ve been pounding the table for Smart to Utah for the past couple of offseasons now, and if he declines his $5 million player option with the Lakers this summer, it’ll open up a perfect opportunity for the veteran guard to land with the Jazz once again.
Smart might not be the same Defensive Player of the Year-caliber presence on the perimeter like he was with the Celtics in 2022, but he’s still a positive defender with tons of experience that could be of benefit to a budding Jazz roster, even if he’s never quite been the most consistent threat offensively.
At a similarly valued deal from what he’s landed with the Lakers, don’t be surprised if Danny Ainge ends up pursuing the same guard he drafted while at the helm in Boston back in 2014.
