College Article Feature: What Changed During Halftime

Written by Lexi Tanner | Utah Valley University

SALT LAKE CITY (MARCH 10, 2026) - As players focused, energy surged, and the final game against the Texas Legends evolved into a thrilling recovery for the Stars.

The team brought renewed discipline in the second half of the back-to-back game against the Legends. They crept from a losing halftime score of 81-59 to a definitive lead change when Max Abmas (3) scored a layup with 0:37 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

When the players re-entered the court after halftime, they walked with an active choice to change their energy. Their approach helped them secure the win 134-125.

Coach Higgins reflected on how he advised players in the locker room after a low-scoring first half.

“We can make a decision on where we want to go from that moment,” Higgins said. “Like any person in a point of adversity, you can make a decision to make an excuse for yourself, or you can make a decision to try a little harder and let the chips fall as they may.”

Blake Hinson (2) led the victory, with 36 points. Hinson logged the most time on the court, totaling 41:38.

The Stars faced the Legends on March 9, in their first back-to-back game, ending in a 121-114 overtime loss. The ability to change their energy altered the course of the defeat and saved the second game.

“We made a decision as a collective group to bring more energy to what we were supposed to be doing in the first half,” said Higgins.

As the season nears its end, Stars players remain optimistic about their ability to meet the demands of upcoming games. Salt Lake City is scheduled to rival the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in a back-to-back on March 13 and March 14.