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Something has to give tonight as the Utes head to Pullman, Washington for the game against the Cougars. Both teams are desperate for their first conference win.
How will the Utes win this game?
- Contain the others - Brock Motum, the 6-10 245 lbs. center from Brisbane, Australia averages 19.8 ppg and 6.4 rpg. In the Cougars 13-point loss to the Cal Bears, Motum had 16 points on 5-14 shooting. He had 29 points vs. Stanford and 15 points against Washington. Motum will get his points but when the rest of the team can be held in check the Utes will be in this game again.
- Utes offense - Utes head coach Larry Krystkowiak said this week that he wants to simplify the offense. Regardless, Utah needs to get out of the 50's in order to even compete. It is one thing to "ugly" the game up and slow it down, but 16 games into the season should be enough time for the players to shoot and make shots. The ball needs to in the hoop. They are getting open looks, just make them.
- End the drought - The Utes have consistently had times during the game where they completely disappear. Against BYU in the second half Utah went over seven minutes without a bucket. That has occurred often enough to be a serious problem. The Utes need to end it tonight. Make it rain! When the game gets bogged down, make a consistent effort to get the ball to DuBois or Loveridge to make something happen. Try and speed the game up, gamble for a steal for an easy bucket. The Utes need to end the droughts.
It is time for the Utes to win a game, why not tonight?
This is a beatable team. I am looking for the Utes to have the intensity turned up right from the tip.
