Utah looks to do unthinkable against Arizona

Utah basketball jumps right back into action this afternoon as they take on the very good, the very talented, the very deep - and the very highly ranked, Arizona Wildcats. The Runnin' Utes, coming off a stinging 54-55 overtime loss to the Wildcats' cross-state rival Arizona State, will look for their first victory over a top-five team since, gosh, I don't know ... defeating Alabama at home in 2002? Either way, it's a monumental task for a program that looks improved over last year's team ... but maybe not quite at the level to go into Tucson and beat such a highly ranked squad on their home court.

I guess the good news is that Utah did play Arizona tough last year on the road - in fact, they held an eight-point lead at the half before eventually losing 70-61. But those Wildcats were no where near as impressive as this year's undefeated squad, as they failed to even make the NCAA Tournament last year. So, as much as we hope for the unthinkable, and the improbable, a victory today would almost certainly usher in the end of times.

Unfortunately, I just don't see it. In fact, this is a game that could prove ugly ... suggesting it's not the defeat that matters, but rather the depth of that defeat. The Runnin' Utes are 18.5 underdogs, so, anything better than that is a ... win?

I guess. I don't know. I just want a competitive game. But boy what an upset that could be. I just won't dare entertain that lunacy.

Go Utes.