Senior point guard Jiggy Watkins scored 23 points and host Utah survived a half-court shot at the buzzer to defeat NAIA school San Diego Christian 58-55 on Monday.

Junior center Jason Washburn had 12 points and a career-high 10 rebounds for the Utes, who lost their last exhibition game to Division II Adams State. Freshman point guard Kareem Storey added 10 points - all free throws.

With only two returning players suited up for the season opener, Utah relied heavily on Watkins and Washburn, who played all but 12 minutes.

The Utes led 30-29 at halftime as Watkins scored the team’s first nine points en route to 14 for the half.

Utah was without 7-foot-3 center David Foster and junior guard Chris Hines, both of whom were injured in the 61-60 exhibition loss to Adams State. New coach Larry Krystkowiak was forced to play six new players double-digit minutes.

Tim Sanders led San Diego Christian (0-1) with 11 points and five assists while Benji Arvizu had nine points and six rebounds.