Santa Clara basketball dominated the second half against Utah Tech in a decisive 90-80 home victory on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The Broncos displayed balanced scoring and defensive prowess to improve their season record. This victory marks another strong performance in what has been an impressive campaign for the program.
Balanced Scoring Powers Santa Clara Attack
The Broncos showcased impressive depth on Wednesday, with five different scorers reaching double figures. Beyond the trio of 14-point scorers, Elijah Mahi and Allen Graves each chipped in 13 points. This balanced approach made Utah Tech unable to focus defensive attention on any single player.
Oboye proved especially valuable beyond scoring, pulling down 8 rebounds to dominate the glass. Gavalyugov demonstrated his all-around play with 5 assists, orchestrating the Broncos‘ efficient offense throughout the contest. The combination of scoring and playmaking made Santa Clara nearly impossible to contain.
Second Half Surge Seals Dominant Victory
| Team | Q1-Q2 | Q3-Q4 | Total |
| Santa Clara | 48 | 42 | 90 |
| Utah Tech | 35 | 45 | 80 |
Gavalyugov was exceptional in the opening half, scoring 11 points to establish an early advantage. Santa Clara took a commanding 48-35 halftime lead, putting Utah Tech in an early hole. The Broncos then unleashed a devastating run to open the second half that effectively ended the contest.
The pivotal 9-0 run stretched the advantage to 71-52 with just 11:32 remaining. This decisive stretch showcased Santa Clara’s superior defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. Utah Tech never recovered from the onslaught, with their late scoring run falling short of bridging the gap.
Utah Tech Battles Late Behind Owona Leadership
Madiba Owona carried the offensive load for the Trailblazers, finishing with a game-high 25 points and adding 2 steals. Despite his strong individual performance, Owona lacked sufficient support early in the contest. Britton Berrett contributed 17 points from the bench, providing secondary scoring.
Ethan Potter chipped in 12 points to go with 9 rebounds and 4 assists, continuing to be a versatile contributor. However, the combined efforts were insufficient to overcome Santa Clara’s balanced attack and second-half defensive excellence. The Trailblazers fell to 5-6 overall with the loss.
Santa Clara’s Win Showcase Broncos Championship Pedigree
The 8-1 Broncos have now demonstrated their ability to control games against various opponents. Their balanced scoring, strong defensive intensity, and depth have become hallmarks of this season’s success. The win marks Santa Clara’s dominant home performance in what will be their lone December home game.
Santa Clara’s record-setting 3-point shooting program was on display again, showcasing the offensive versatility that makes them dangerous. The team’s ability to score from all positions and with multiple ball-handlers has made them a formidable opponent in college basketball. Their balanced approach suggests they will remain competitive throughout the season.
What Does This Victory Mean for Santa Clara’s Season Outlook?
With an impressive 8-1 record, Santa Clara has established themselves as a serious contender heading into conference play. The Broncos have shown they can win with different players contributing each night, a crucial trait for deep tournament runs. Their home court advantage and balanced scoring attack will be essential assets moving forward.
Santa Clara’s victory over Utah Tech demonstrates the program’s commitment to quality wins before conference competition intensifies. The Broncos showed no signs of taking the Trailblazers lightly, executing a complete game with strong first-half leads and dominant second-half runs. This consistency will serve them well as they navigate the rest of their schedule.