By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Poeltl powers Utah past Fresno State
Utah Poeltl
Utah forward Jakob Poeltl, front, drives past Fresno State center Terrell Carter II in the second half of a first-round men's college basketball game Thursday in the NCAA Tournament in Denver. Utah won 80-69. - photo by AP Photo

DENVER (AP) — Sophomore 7-footer Jakob Poeltl scored 16 points and pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds to helpUtahhold off feisty Fresno State 80-69 Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Utah, the third seed in the Midwest, used a blistering 20-2 run down the stretch to regain control after falling behind for the first time all night with 10:32 remaining.

Lorenzo Bonham had 17 points and Brandon Taylor added 16 for the Utes (27-8), who will try for their second straight trip to the Sweet 16 when they face Seton Hall or Gonzaga on Saturday night.

Marvelle Harris, the Mountain West's player of the year, led the Bulldogs (25-10) with 24 points. It was their first NCAA appearance since 2001.