Oregon Ducks at Utah Utes Open Thread

Finally! We are back at the Huntsman Center for a Utah Pac-12 game, after the Utes played their first three conference games on the road. Actually, the Utes haven't been home since before the New Year, so this is a great opportunity against the Ducks, who have an RPI of 11, to dust off the home nets.

The Ducks are coming in at 13-3 on the season and 2-1 in conference play. The Ducks have wins over Stanford and Cal, with a loss against Oregon State. In non-conference the Ducks lost to UNLV and Boise State, both on the road. Oregon has been a thorn in Utah's side, losing up in Eugene last season, and in the Pac-12 tournament. Fortunately for the Utes, the Ducks are without Joseph Young, who was a scoring machine. But the Ducks remain very athletic and will try to push the ball up and down the court.

For Utah, it's all about if Jakob Poeltl can stay out of foul trouble. If he does, then it comes down to the guard play and if they can take care of the ball. The likes of Brandon Taylor and Lorenzo Bonam have to take care of the ball, and to help spread the floor and keep the defense off of Poeltl.

If you're not at the game, then join us here...

Go Utes!