Utah Valley Basketball: 5 Key Strategies for Dominating the Court This Season

As I sit here analyzing the box scores from Utah Valley's recent dominant performance, I can't help but feel excited about what this season holds for our basketball program. That Philippines exhibition game where we won 85-54 wasn't just another victory—it was a blueprint for how we can dominate the court this entire season. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen what separates good teams from great ones, and what I witnessed in that game convinced me we're building something special here.

Let me break down what I believe are the five key strategies that will carry us through this season, starting with what I consider the most crucial—defensive intensity. Look at those quarter scores: 17-7, 42-26, 66-44, and finally 85-54. That's not just scoring—that's systematic defensive domination. We held them to single digits in the first quarter, which set the tone for the entire game. What impressed me most was how we maintained that defensive pressure throughout, never letting up even when we had a comfortable lead. I've always believed defense wins championships, and what I saw in that game reinforced that belief. Our players moved as a cohesive unit, anticipating passes and closing out on shooters with remarkable efficiency. Hallare, who led the opposing team with 13 points, had to work for every single basket she made. That kind of defensive discipline doesn't happen by accident—it's the result of focused coaching and player commitment.

The second strategy that stood out to me was our offensive distribution. When I look at that box score—Hallare 13, Lumagub 11, Carino 9, Cruz 7, Cabanero 5, J. Pascual 4—what strikes me isn't just the numbers but how balanced our scoring was. We didn't rely on one superstar to carry the offense. Instead, we had six players contributing significantly, which makes us incredibly difficult to defend against. I've seen too many teams become predictable because they depend too heavily on one or two players. That won't be us this season. Our depth gives us options, and our unselfish play creates opportunities for everyone. I particularly liked how we moved the ball—quick passes, smart cuts, and always looking for the open player rather than forcing contested shots.

Our third winning strategy revolves around controlling the tempo. Watching that game unfold, I noticed how we dictated the pace from the very beginning. We started strong with that 17-7 first quarter and never looked back. What many casual fans might miss is how psychologically damaging that is for opponents. When you're constantly playing catch-up basketball, it wears you down mentally and physically. We pushed when we had advantages and showed patience when the situation called for it. That 42-26 halftime score didn't just happen—it was the result of smart tempo control. I've always preferred teams that know how to manage the game clock and flow, and what I saw suggests our players understand this aspect beautifully.

The fourth element that caught my attention was our bench contribution. Looking at those stats, players like Tan-Chi with 3 points and Delos Reyes with 2 might not jump off the page, but their impact went beyond scoring. Our bench maintained the intensity when starters needed rest, and that's absolutely vital for long-term success. I can't stress enough how important depth is over a full season. Injuries happen, fatigue sets in, and having reliable players who can step up makes all the difference. What I particularly liked was seeing players like Orca, Restificar, and Antolin getting minutes even if they didn't score—that experience matters, and it builds team chemistry.

Finally, and this might be my personal favorite, is what I call "situational awareness." The way we managed each quarter, adjusting and responding to the flow of the game, showed a basketball IQ that I find particularly exciting. We didn't just play—we thought the game. That 66-44 third-quarter score demonstrates how we came out after halftime and immediately reestablished control rather than letting them back into the game. Too many teams lose focus during those critical transition moments, but we seemed to thrive in them. This comes from both coaching preparation and player intelligence, and I believe it will serve us well against tougher opponents.

As I reflect on that game and what it means for our season ahead, I'm genuinely optimistic. The strategies we displayed—defensive intensity, balanced scoring, tempo control, bench depth, and situational awareness—create a foundation for sustained success. What excites me most isn't just that we won, but how we won. We played smart, team-oriented basketball that should translate well against any opponent we face this season. While it's still early, and I'm not suggesting we'll dominate every game by 31 points, the blueprint is there. If we stick to these five strategies, I believe we're looking at a truly special season for Utah Valley basketball. The court is ours to dominate—let's make it happen.