CSU snaps Utes' 3 game win streak

Colorado State (15-6, 5-2 MWC) defeated Utah (10-11, 3-4 MWC) 74-68 at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday afternoon. Utah's 3 game winning streak came to an end, and Colorado State picked up another impressive win in conference play. The Rams are proving to be a lot better than I thought they would be before the season started and very well could finish third in the conference and may even have a shot at an NCAA Tournament berth, although they would do well to collect at least one or two more quality wins for the selection committee to consider.

CSU center Andy Ogide led all scorers with 28 points and added 10 rebounds as well. Ogide was solid down low and also showed some range with his jump shot. He really punished Utah for not double teaming him for much of the afternoon. It was a very impressive performance. I'd like to see a different defensive strategy employed by the Runnin' Utes the next time they play Colorado State. Will Clyburn led Utah with 19 points, including a very strong 2nd half.

All that being said, I still think Utah is good enough talent wise to win at home against Colorado State. The Rams are a good team and have playing with growing consistency as the season has worn on. Utah's play Saturday was kind of a microcosm of their season so far: they were good in spurts but not quite consistent enough. Utah overcame an 11 point 2nd half deficit to tie the score at 68 with about 3 minutes to go, but as you can see from the final score, the Rams were able to take control from there. Colorado State was definitely the better team after 40 minutes and deserved to win. Utah needed to make more plays. The plays are there to be made, the players are there to make them.

It's up to the coaching staff to stop this losing streak at one. I know the Runnin' Utes won't be favored in at least five of their remaining conference games, but they have to find ways to get wins. There is a favorite saying of mine by longtime NFL coach Bill Parcells that "You are what your record says you are." Utah is 10-11 and 3-4 in conference play, tied for 5th in the MWC. That's not good enough right now for a program with as much of a proud tradition and prestige as Utah has. I'm willing to be patient and wait until the end of the season, but a losing record in conference play will not sit well with me, I can tell you that right now. I don't care if the Utes aren't favored, they need to find ways to win games. I think it's still possible for the team to make strides and get things done (as was evidenced by the 3 game winning streak) and I will be rooting for that, you can be sure. Utah next plays at UNLV (16-5, 4-3 MWC) on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. MT on the Mtn.