Raptors 111 - 106 Jazz
Final - 2OT
  for this game

Raptors go for another win, face tough task in Utah

Jan 25, 2012 - 3:54 PM (Sports Network) - The Toronto Raptors hope to build on their first win in over two weeks and snap a 12-game skid against the Utah Jazz when the two teams square off tonight in Salt Lake City.

The Raptors improved to 1-1 on a five-game road trip and tasted victory for the first time since Jan. 9 when Andrea Bargnani returned from a prolonged absence to net a season-high 36 points as Toronto downed the Suns, 99-96, on Tuesday.

Bargnani, who missed the previous six games with a strained left calf, scored 27 points in the second half and hit a pair of crucial free throws down the stretch.

"I was out of rhythm in the first quarter, but I have to give credit to my teammates; they kept looking for me," said Bargnani.

The 7-foot Bargnani had a brilliant third quarter, scoring 18 points while making 4-of-5 from three-point range.

"Andrea coming back makes everything easier for everybody else," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. "He opens up the lane for [Leandro Barbosa] for layups, James [Johnson] to get in the lane and get offensive boards. He is kind of the hub for everybody to play off of."

Barbosa, a former Sun, added 19 points and Johnson had 18 and 10 rebounds for the Raptors, who halted an eight-game losing streak overall and ended a 14- game hiccup against Phoenix.

Toronto, which is just 3-8 on the road this year, will finish its trip with visits to Denver and New Jersey.

The Jazz, meanwhile, have been stellar at home this season and will aim to finish a four-game residency in winning fashion tonight.

Utah is 2-1 on the homestand after recording a 108-98 triumph over Minnesota on Saturday.

Paul Millsap poured in 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and pulled down nine rebounds in that one as the Jazz outlasted the Timberwolves for their fourth win in five games.

Al Jefferson contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds for Utah, which also received 18 points from C.J. Miles and 12 from Raja Bell.

The Jazz are 8-2 at EnergySolutions Arena on the season and have beaten Toronto six straight times as the host.






Related News