Utah at Washington State

Wednesday, January 24
7:00 pm PT, Pac-12 Network

Games like this can be decided by a raucous home crowd. The question becomes: Is the Washington State fanbase serious about basketball?

Basketball schools show out for every game of the year, no matter who the opponent is.

The support at home creates a significant advantage that can not only shift a single game but can also make a difference in an entire season.

So, is Washington State serious about basketball or not?

The Utes have been dealing with injuries to two starters, yet have plenty of skilled weapons.

Deivon Smith is a do-it-all point guard that is an elite facilitator. He runs Utah’s offense to perfection, dishing out assists all game while shooting efficiently from the field.

Smith is active on the boards, too, making himself a complete all-around player that changes the game.

From a personnel standpoint, slowing him down will be key.

Big man Branden Carlson is the main threat, however. The 7-foot and 220-pound senior can score from the perimeter, midrange, and the paint.

Isaac Jones is a natural fit to defend him, though. The battle between the duo could decide the game.

The X-Factors are Gabe Madsen’s shooting efficiency from three and the matchup in the paint between Keba Keita and Oscar Cluff.

Madsen has been somewhat off the last few games and another cold night from the field might be too much to overcome.

At the same time, Keita could will the Utes to victory if he can handle Cluff in the paint.

Colorado at Washington

Wednesday, January 24
8:00 pm PT, ESPNU

CU has yet to win a true road game this season and comes into Seattle to face a Husky squad that is 8-2 at home.

The two teams are similar in several key areas. The scoring offenses are almost identical, the rebounding numbers are close, and the turnovers per game are both poor.

But Colorado is a much stronger three-point shooting team and shares the ball at a higher clip.

On the other hand, Washington is a far superior shot-blocking group which could pay dividends against a CU team that likes to drive the lanes.

Keion Brooks Jr. is built to adequately defend Tristan da Silva while Sahvir Wheeler should be able to keep up with KJ Simpson.

But, like many other teams that face Colorado, the Dawgs don’t have a clear answer for Cody Williams.

The projected lottery pick is a lanky wing that can hit threes and is crafty around the rim. A strong finisher who can blow by opponents with speed, Williams is a matchup nightmare.

Moses Wood probably won’t be able to contain him while Paul Mulcahy isn’t tall enough and Wilhelm Breidenbach is too slow.

Boyle knows what he has and crafts his offense to take advantage of the mismatch.

Look for the ball to flow through Williams with the freshman making the difference in the end.

Dane Miller’s Game Picks

2023-24 Week 4 Pac-12 Games	Pick
Utah at Washington State Jan 24, 7:00 PM PT	Washington State
Colorado at Washington Jan 24, 8:00 PM PT	Colorado
Overall Record	124-51-0 (71%)