Both the Utah Utes and USC Trojans aim to separate themselves from the middle of the Pac-12 pack.
TV Schedule: Sunday, January 14, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU
Arena: Galen Center, Los Angeles, California
The Utah Utes and USC Trojans are two teams who have endured radically different journeys to arrive at their current standing this season. Yet they both find themselves in the same place: the Pac-12’s bin of mediocrity.
The Utes – finally bereft of some of the star power that finds itself in the NBA (Canada, to be specific) – slid under the radar throughout the offseason and non-conference slate. They won their first two Pac-12 games in Oregon, but have lost three straight since.
They have five players who average double figures in scoring, but none that averages at least 14 points per game. Their lack of star power was evident in a 19-point loss to UCLA, where Aaron Holiday torched Utah, who provided no answers.
Larry Krystowiak has led the Utes to four straight postseason berths. At 10-6 this season, that streak is in serious jeopardy.
But at least the focus in Utah is on the court. For the USC Trojans, distractions off the court have sunk a ship once worthy of the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend.
USC found themselves caught up in the FBI probe wreaking havoc on college basketball before the start of the season. Andy Enfield still finds himself under the gun, while it was only just decided that De’Anthony Melton would not play for the Trojans this year.
Meanwhile, losses to Washington and Stanford – and a groin strike from (former) captain Chimezie Metu – have all made for a season typified by the school’s Los Angeles surroundings.
There’s still a ton of talent on the roster, though. Metu and Bennie Boatwright are both putting up at least 15 points and seven rebounds per game. Senior guard Jordan McLaughlin is dishing out 7.7 assists per game. The top four scorers are all upperclassmen.
All of this suggests that USC should be one of the top teams in the Pac-12. A home game against Utah should provide a chance for a comfortable Trojans victory. But nothing has been comfortable for USC this season.
Prediction: USC 80, Utah 77