Utes Return Home To Face Cal Thursday in Power of Pink Game

With a Pac-12 win under their belt, the Utes look to continue the momentum from their 74-65 road win over Washington as they face Cal on Thursday in a Power of Pink match supporting breast cancer awareness at the Huntsman Center at 6:30 p.m.

After a (6-0) start to the season, Cal has lost seven out of their last 11 games. Athletic guard Allen Crabbe leads the team with nearly 20 points per game and 5.5 rebounds.

When he plays well, Cal usually wins but he's been struggling over the past two weeks. Crabbe is averaging just 12.3 points per game over their last three games. He had just nine points in their home loss to Washington on (3-12) shooting.  For Utah, shutting down the future NBA Draft pick and Pac-12 leading scorer will be crucial.

For the Utes, freshman guard Brandon Taylor had a breakout game in the win over Washington with 19 points and six assists off the bench. Coach Krystkowiak isn't making any promises, but expect him to have a much larger role as the season goes on.

"I think in the opportunities he has had in four or five games he has played really well. He has a lot of savvy and moxie and is as good of a shooter as we have on our team," said Krystkowiak in his press conference Monday. "He plays with a lot of confidence and that’s what we needed. Offensively he gave us a big boost in that game. But as we always say, no one should ever be satisfied and expect ‘big-time’ minutes."

The MUSS needs to #PackTheHuntsman Center and be loud like we were against UCLA and USC to give the Utes the home court advantage needed to win. Tipoff will be Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

UPDATE: Coach K wants to see you at the basketball game this Thursday and he is even buying you dinner! Come to the HPER gym at 5:30 p.m. for free pizza and drinks. Then head to the Huntsman for the 'Power of Pink' game vs. Cal. GO UTES!