Utah @ Utah State

Utah's won 3 straight and will have a tough time running that streak to 4 as they play instate rival Utah State tonight. The Aggies, 6-1 on the season, have been dominate at home and against the Utes are nearly unbeatable up in Logan as the Utes haven't won there in 10 years. Utah beat USU 67-66 in Salt Lake City last year.

If Utah is going to win, they'll need to shut down a pretty impressive Aggies offense as Utah State is averaging 75 points per game on 52% shooting. The Aggies are coming off an 83-46 blowout of Idaho State Saturday night and have won 6 straight since their opening season loss to Northwestern State.

The Aggies are led by Senior Jaycee Carroll, who averages 23 points per and 6 rebounds per game. The Utes will need to contain him, especially since he's shooting 60% from the field. If he goes off, I doubt Utah will be capable of keeping the game close. Senior Durrall Peterson will be a threat from outside, as he's the Aggies best shooter from behind the arc. Though it should be noted that the Aggies aren't a great three point shooting team, which should benefit the Utes if they force them inside.

Utah is coming off an impressive win against Washington State, who defeated Gonzaga last night, and have put together 3 straight victories. Luke Nevill leads the Utes in scoring and rebounding with 18 points and 8 rebounds per game. He's shooting a solid 69% from the field and has been the key to Utah's success all season. Junior guard Johnnie Bryant is second in scoring, with 16 points per game on 51% shooting.

Utah's defense will play a major role in whether or not the Aggies are successful from the field tonight. Utah kept Washington State well below their shooting percentage as they held them to ony 42% and on the season Utah's opponents only average 49% shooting. Utah State's defense also poses a matchup problem for the Utes, as their opponents only shoot 45% from the field on average. That's below Utah's average of 52% on the season.

After tonight the Utes travel to Rhode Island for a game against the Rams. Then they return home for a game against Cal Poly before leaving for the San Juan Shootout, where they open against Central Florida.