When the Pac-12 welcomed Utah and Colorado to the conference just four years ago, neither program looked ready to compete with the field. Actually, no one in the Pac-12 was built to compete on a national scale.
Yet here we are, not far removed from one of Utah’s worst seasons in program history, ready to watch the No. 13 Utes host No. 7 Arizona in the battle for a share of the Pac-12 regular season title.
Key match ups litter the court in this one, with the point guard spot being especially contentious. Utah’s Delon Wright is one of the most complete guards in America, possessing elite ability to penetrate, pass, finish, defend and lead. Arizona’s T.J. McConnell is one of the most competitive players we’ve seen all year, and is the glue that keeps UA together.
The front court for Utah must also work to contain Arizona’s trio of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brandon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski. The Wildcats’ combination size and athleticism sets them apart from the rest of the Pac-12, and the Utes must contain them on the boards if they stand any chance of winning.
As far as atmospheres go, Salt Lake City will be absolutely rocking on Saturday. Without question, this is the biggest game in the Larry Krystkowiak era, and one of the biggest for Utah since the days of Rick Majerus. How Utah deals with the energy and pressure of a game like this will go a long way in determining whether they can force a tie atop the Pac-12 standings come Saturday night.
