The Runnin’ Utes started their 2024-25 season 2-0 on Thursday with their 1,900 win in program history. Utah handed Central Arkansas a decisive defeat, as they ran away from the Bears from the opening tip, 98-63.

Here are the takeaways from the Utes’ victory:

Gabe Madsen for 1,000

There hasn’t been a ton of positives around the Utah basketball program lately, but senior wing Gabe Madsen has been an outlier. Madsen has consistently been one of the Utes go-to offensive weapons since he arrived in 2021. On Thursday night, he went over 1,000 points for his college career, currently sitting at 1,015.

It's just two games, but Madsen is averaging 26 per game on 60% shooting and 52.2% from long-distance. This year’s team has a lot of shooters, but there’s zero question on who the ball needs to go to. Can he maintain some semblance of what he’s doing or will he go streaky like he’s done in the past? With the volume he’s almost guaranteed to put up per game, a huge year is likely ahead for Utah’s sharpshooter.

A positive in a not ideal situation

The Utes have been without their three guys that can play center: Lawson Lovering, Zach Keller, and Ibi Traore. This has created an opportunity for 6-foot-10 and 211-pound wing Jake Wahlin to get more playing time at an unfamiliar position. Despite his thin frame and being more known as a perimeter player, Wahlin is excelling so far this season. The rebounding could get better, as he only hauled in three total, but he stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, six steals, and four blocks.

The Utes unquestionably need to get muscle back into the lineup, but Wahlin is showing that he can provide Utah with a different and effective look against varying opponents.

Numerous Utes load the box score

Wahlin wasn’t the only Ute to have a big all-around game. Mike Sharavjamts had 13 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Keanu Dawes made a statement for more playing time with seven points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. He needs to improve his shooting after going 1-6. Starting point guard Miro Little also stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Making it rain

For the second game in a row, the Utes hit 19 three-pointers, tying their school record that they set earlier the week. They put up 50 threes total, which broke the school record. In total, both teams had 90 attempts from long-distance. According to Utah head coach Craig Smith, the amount of attempts weren’t by design, but they happened because of the pace of the game and the looks the Utes were getting.

This could be a season in which Utah lives and dies by the three, so buckle up. It could make for some entertaining basketball.

Up next

Utah will host the Queens University Royals this coming Tuesday, before traveling to Mississippi State for their first road game of the season.