Utah tops Abilene Christian 70-56 to give Smith 1st win

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — David Jenkins Jr. scored 15 points, Branden Carlson added 14 and Utah gave new coach Craig Smith a 70-56 win over Abilene Christian in his first game with the Utes. Smith moved from Utah State after Larry Krystkowiak was fired. Only six players scored for Utah, five starters and Dusan Mahorcic, who had 11 points off the bench. Immanuel Allen had 13 points for Abilene Christian. Twice in the first half Utah built a double figure lead but the Wildcats kept battling back and trailed 34-27 at the half.