PORTLAND, Ore. — Jakob Poeltl had 18 points and eight rebounds, and fifth-seeded Utah opened its first NCAA Tournament appearance in five years by holding off Stephen F. Austin for a 57-50 victory on Thursday night.
The Utes’ stout defense thwarted the usually high-scoring Lumberjacks, who were held well under their season average of 79.5 points. Ty Charles led No. 12 seed Stephen F. Austin (29-5) with 14 points.
Jordan Loveridge added 12 points for Utah (25-8), which led by as many as 12 points in the second half.
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