The University of Utah Men’s Basketball team isn’t considered an elite program. They’re not perennial March Madness participants, nor do they generally contend in the Pac-12.

This year, however, could be different. First-year head coach Craig Smith has been able to produce great results so far, as the Runnin’ Utes have dominated their way to a 5-0 start.

Today, they host No. 18 BYU, who is also 5-0. This is the biggest game on Utah’s schedule this year, and is their earliest chance to impress the March Madness committee.

A Difficult Opponent

In their last three meetings at the Jon M. Hunstman Center, Utah has been able to beat back the Cougars. The last time BYU was able to beat Utah on their homecourt was in 2010, over 11 years ago.

This will be key for Utah, as any advantage the Utes can get over the Cougars will be needed. BYU has started just as hot as Utah has, winning by large margins in most of their games. Notably, the Cougars have already beaten four teams that played in last year’s March Madness Tournament, including an 81-49 win over then-No. 12 ranked Oregon.

BYU is led by Guard Alex Barcello, who has been shooting the lights out this season, averaging 18.8 points per game while shooting over 50% from three. Barcello is BYU’s most dangerous offensive weapon, as he’s capable of scoring at all three levels. The Utes will have to force him to make difficult shots, as BYU will be trying to get him the ball often.

Utah’s Advantages

The Utes go into this game with two huge advantages that could make or break this game.

First, the Utes have been phenomenal at rebounding this season, having only been outrebounded once in their first five games. They’ve been able to get the ball off the offensive glass at an insanely high clip averaging 14.6 offensive rebounds a game. Their offensive rebounding rate is 40.6%, which is the eighth-highest in Division I.

Secondly, Utah has been playing a pass-heavy style of offense, leading to lots of assists and easy buckets. The Utes have assisted on 61% of made shots compared to the Cougar’s 55%. This has allowed Utah C Branden Carlson to average 15.5 points a game, as he is often the recipient of good passes and open space.

Consulting the Crystal Ball

As always, I turn to my crystal ball, which gives me (occasionally) good insights into what could happen in a given game.

  • Branden Carlson gets a double-double. The Utes’ center averages 7.8 rebounds to go with his 15.5 points. Tonight, he boosts his rebounds to secure a double-double.
  • BYU ends the half with the lead. BYU’s offense is a lot to handle, especially if they’re on a good shooting night. The ball believes they’ll have the advantage to start the second half.
  • Utah outrebounds BYU by 15+. The ball believes Utah will dominate the boards on a BYU team that has struggled at times to secure rebounds.
  • Utah holds BYU to under 32% shooting from 3. As an avid college basketball fan, the ball knows BYU is coming off an awful shooting night against Texas Southern. Utah is better than Texas Southern, particularly at home, and the ball believes they’ll play tough defense from downtown.
  • Utah comes out with the upset. I wouldn’t have picked this, but the ball did. Its words, not mine.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR