By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
December 30, 2021
Postponements due to COVID have wreaked havoc on the College Basketball world over the past week: USC, UCLA, Stanford, Colorado, and most recently, WSU, have all been affected.
Unfortunately, that list figures to grow as teams return from their holiday breaks.
The protocols have dwindled the number of matchups over the next few days to one. Utah remains scheduled to travel to Oregon State to take on the Beavers on Thursday.
I preview that game here, and my pick appears at the bottom.
Utah at Oregon State
Gill Coliseum, Corvallis, OR
Thursday, December 30
6:00 pm PT, Pac-12 Network
The Utes have a legitimate shot at contending for a Top 4 finish in the Pac-12 Regular Season standings, but those chances could take a hit with a loss in Corvallis.
The Beavers clicked for the first time this season against Nicholls, potentially signaling a run is in the cards. Jarod Lucas has been on fire, averaging 24.5 points over the last two games.
Slowing down the three-point specialist figures to be item No. 1 in Craig Smith’s game plan, followed by hampering Warith Alatishe. If Utah limits OSU’s top two scorers, it should have the offensive firepower to walk away with a win.
The winner of this matchup will leave the court with momentum that figures to propel it forward into the new year.
December 30 Game Pick
-
Final 2024-25 Best in West Men’s Basketball Power Rankings
> Our Dane Miller ranks the Top 10 teams in the region with summary updates for each - April 4, 2025 -
Given No Chance, Arizona Spoiling to Shock World, Duke
> Comparisons to the Wildcats team that lost to the Blue Devils in November no longer hold - March 27, 2025 -
Forcing Turnovers BYU’s Key to Keeping Pace with Tide
> The Cougars allow 71.4 points per game but Bama ranks among nation's worst in errant plays - March 26, 2025