Utah preview #2

Poor, poor Utah.  The conference season hasn't been any kinder to them than non-conference play was.  While they were able to score home upsets over two teams from the bottom quarter of the conference, overall they sport a horrendous 5-20 (2-11) record.

Statistically, they remain in the bottom portion of nearly every major category, while residing in the low-300s in efficiency ratings.  Even the worst of Jeff Bzdelik's excellent losers couldn't hold a futility candle to these guys.

Sad Ute is still sad.  From: the BDC

It's a basketball oddity to see a power conference team this awful.  If there is a poster child for the Pac-12's ride to 1-bid purgatory, it's this Utah squad who are not only embarrassing themselves, but depressing the overall quality of the league.  When you look at Pac-12 RPI's, remember that wins over pathetic squads like Utah and USC, both possessing RPI's in the solid 200s, almost hurt more than they help.

If only one Pac-12 team hears their name called on Selection Sunday, at least a portion of the blame needs to fall on the collective shoulders of Utah and USC.  What the fuck, Utah; at least USC has an excuse with their injury issues.

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After a full week off, it's time for the Buffs to once again hit the hardwood.  Tip-off from the Huntsman Center is set for 3pm on Saturday.  The action can be found on ROOT/FSN affiliates, while 850AM will be hosting the Mark Johnson-led radio broadcast.

Click below for the preview...



When last we met - 


The New Year hadn't even begun yet the first time CU faced of against Utah.  Back on New Year's eve, the Buffs unsurprisingly took the Utes out behind the woodshed for a good old fashioned ass stomping.  In what was the first ever Pac-12 basketball game for either squad, the Buffs barely broke a sweat, and emptied the bench en route to a 73-33 win.

The blowout set modern records for fewest points allowed and scoring margin in a conference game.

The rampaging Buffs were lead by a 17/17 performance form Andre Roberson, setting the tone for a stellar conference campaign.  In support, Freshmen Askia Booker and Spencer Dinwiddie combined for 33 points.  All told, CU shot 48% from the floor.

Andre Roberson don't care... Andre Roberson don't give a shit.  From: the BDC

Offense, however, wasn't the story.  On D, CU held the hapless Utes to 23% shooting, and 8.7% from 3-point range.  Not 87%, 8.7% (2-23)!  Only one Ute was allowed to score in double figures, and CU also out-rebounded their travel partner by 16.  Hell, Utah only managed to score 11 in the first half.

The pathetic Ute exposition lead Utah Coach Larry Krystkowiak to echo a verbal lashing at his charges in the CEC's visiting locker room.  Let me tell you, Coach, no amount of yelling will make up for 40 points of ass-whupping.


What's changed - 


Jiggy Watkins is gone.  At one point, he was considered the best Ute, for whatever that means.  Prior to his dismissal, he lead the nation in usage and assist rate.  His dismissal also means that this is my last opportunity to drop some lame Will Smith references:

(The Utes are no longer "getting Jiggy with it."  ... God that's terrible.  Yes, I did own that album, what of it?)

With Watkins lost to the same dustbin housing Smith's lame albums, the lead role for the Utes has fallen to versatile forward Jason Washburn.  The 6-10 Michigan native is coming in off of a big game (15/7/3) against Arizona, where he lead the Utes to within a solid final few minutes of pulling off a massive upset.

Washburn makes for an interesting challenge inside.

Speaking of that Arizona swing, the Utes actually played well in the Grand Canyon State, only losing the two contests by a combined 14 points.  Pretty good for a team this putrid.


Prediction -  

There's no amount of mental gymnastics I can go through that leads me to believe that CU is in trouble here.  Sure, there is the chance that a week off and a trip out of state could lead to a flat start, but the Buffs are more than talented enough to push through early struggles to victory.

A duplicate 40-point win is probably out of reach, but there's no reason the Buffs shouldn't end up +15 when all is said and done.  As long as you don't sleep on these guys, it's a cake walk, and even if you do, a top-of-the-table team should still beat them handily.

Sure, they want "revenge," but this ain't a team capable of securing it.

CU 79 - UU 64


GO BUFFS!  BEAT THE UTES!