Madsen twins, Utah aim to end Radford’s win streak

Gabe Madsen and twin brother Mason have combined to make 58 3-pointers, which is 63 percent of Utah’s team total.

The Madsens will hope to inflict more damage from behind the arc when the Utes face Radford on Saturday in nonconference play at Salt Lake City.

Gabe Madsen leads Utah (6-2) in scoring (21.8 points) and treys (34). Mason Madsen lights it up off the bench, ranking second on the squad with 24 3-pointers and boasts an average of 11.0 points.

While Utah got off to a strong start in its most recent game, there were issues during a 72-63 loss to visiting Saint Mary’s on Dec. 7.

The Utes shot a season-low 37.5 percent from the field — including 23.5 percent (8 of 34) in the first half — and were a shaky 10 of 17 from the free-throw line (58.8 percent).

Utah also shot poorly from the 3-point arc for the second straight game. After sinking 83 treys in their first six games, the Utes went 4-for-19 (against Eastern Washington) and 5-for-18 in their past two outings.

“At the end of the day, we showed some fight, but we talked about it in the locker room — against a good team like (Saint Mary’s), you can’t be a no-show for a half, and that’s what bit us in the butt,” Gabe Madsen said.

Forward Caleb Lohner made his first appearance for the Utes and had eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes. Lohner, who previously played two seasons for BYU and two for Baylor, recently got done playing tight end for Utah’s football team.

“He’s got elite feel,” Utes coach Craig Smith said. “He’s got really good feel for the game, and he’s a true veteran.”

Radford (9-2) has won five consecutive games while playing a light schedule. The Highlanders’ losses were to Pitt and Clemson.

Radford notched a 74-70 overtime win over visiting Bucknell on Sunday, when Jarvis Moss led the way with 15 points.

Highlanders coach Darris Nichols raves about his team’s toughness.

“A lot of coaches talk about throwing the first punch, but you have to be able to absorb some punches,” Norris said. “Being able to take other people’s punches and move on from it and still win the fight is important. That’s just the type of guys we have. Tougher guys mentally.”

Moss leads Radford with a 15.5 scoring average.

The matchup is the first between the Highlanders and Utes.

–Field Level Media