The MUSS Packs The Huntsman Center as Utes Nearly Upset UCLA

The Utes fell in another heartbreak loss to one of the Pac12's best teams, losing 57-53 to UCLA. Despite the loss, The MUSS packed the Huntsman Center and provided the Utes a boost. With a student attendance just under one thousand at the game, it was the largest MUSS crowd in recent years. Here is what the Utes and fans had to say about crowd:

“It was really awesome and cool. Seeing that section up there was huge. Obviously, because of the weather it was a little bit slow for everybody to get here. But there was a little heartbeat over there in the corner of the arena. They were there and we need that. It is a big part of college athletics to have that kind of pulse. I have always said that the student section is kind of the heartbeat of the arena and people are feeding off them. I hope we can continue to build on that and that some of those people will come back and give us a shot on Saturday.” - Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak

“They are on our side and we liked having them. In the last five minutes of the game, we went on that stretch where we started scoring and Loveridge got the dunk, you could hear them. The excitement in the gym just made us excited and it made us play a little harder.” - Senior Cedric Martin

"Yes, the Mighty Utah Student Section (MUSS) made its presence against the Bruins, and they did so in force. In the process, Utah's homecourt felt like - ummmm - an actual homecourt... The MUSS showed no rust against UCLA. They were knowledgeable. They were loud. They were present and they knew when to ramp it up." - Tony Jones - Salt Lake Tribune

"The road inexperience of his teammates showing through as the Utes' crowd continued to boom for the game's final five minutes." - Orange County Register

"By the time the Utes pulled within two, the UCLA freshmen got their first glimpse of a real hostile environment, while the Jon Huntsman Center went bananas after a mighty rally from their Mighty Runnin’ Utes." - GoJoeBruin.com

Let me congratulate the fans for coming out on a snowy night & the @themuss was great. It's time that the JMHC has good crowds every night
— Bill Riley (@espn700bill) January 11, 2013

S/O to the #MUSS last night! U guys had it rockin.

— Jordan Loveridge (@JordanLoveridge) January 11, 2013

Tonight was the loudest crowd I have ever heard in the Huntsman Center.@themuss was amazing & all Ute fans brought it.Thank you!!!!!
— Ann Ronchetti Argust (@AnnArgust) January 11, 2013

@themuss was awesome tonight! #RunninUtes
— Runnin U (@RunninU) January 11, 2013

Major props to @themuss tonight. Showed up and were loud! Made for a great atmosphere.
— Jason Stapley (@jstaples01) January 11, 2013

@themuss came out tonight!!
— Jack Gardner's Ghost (@JGardner53to71) January 11, 2013

@themuss great showing tonight, only 8 more home games to go.We'll see you in The Huntsman Center on Saturday.#expectations
— Jimmy Soto (@jimmysoto15) January 11, 2013

@themuss thanks again for the support tonight. #keepitrollin
— Jimmy Soto (@jimmysoto15) January 11, 2013

Anderson: "I like the test that Utah gave us. The crowd was a big factor. For us to buckle down and keep the lead was big."
— Sam Strong (@SamStrong) January 11, 2013

Word is @themuss hit full capacity (3 lower bowl sections) & remaining students were given general admission tickets
— Michael Rueckert (@MichaelRueckert) January 11, 2013

Nice job, tonite. #GoUtes RT @jimmysoto15: @themuss thanks again for the support tonight. #keepitrollin
— University of Utah (@UUtah) January 11, 2013

Update @themuss now here in full force. We know you can represent.#expectations. twitter.com/jimmysoto15/st…
— Jimmy Soto (@jimmysoto15) January 11, 2013

Snow not helping the crowd in The Huntsman but @themuss is here representing.Make some noise.Go Utes!!
— Jimmy Soto (@jimmysoto15) January 11, 2013

Want to thank @themuss and all the other fans for supporting @runnin_utes last night.Environment was electric and our guys battled!
— Phillip Cullen (@PhillipCullen) January 11, 2013

It is LOUD in the Huntsman Center
— Brian Swinney (@InsideTheUtes) January 11, 2013

Pretty good turn out in @themuss for the #blackout! #PackTheHuntsman
— Sean Davenport (@SeanDavenport) January 11, 2013

Also @themuss was great tonight! Thanks. @runnin_utes
— Cory Meyer (@corymeyer) January 11, 2013

Elevation getting to UCLA? All outside shots are short right now. Utes close to within 2. Huntsman Center is rocking.
— Brian Swinney (@InsideTheUtes) January 11, 2013

Up next the Utes face USC at home Saturday at 4 p.m. on 80s night. Make sure we pack the Huntsman Center again and help the Utes get a win over the Trojans.