Utah Hoops v Washington

Jan 16, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes guard Delon Wright (55) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Utah won 84-66. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Every time you lose it just makes the next game get bigger.

Utah basketball and their fans had some high hopes after an 11-1 preseason against what is now the second worst preseason schedule in the nation according to Ken Pomeroy.

Because winning the games does count for something right.

Then the Pac-12 came and some close losses happened and people said, we’re close.  Then we beat UCLA and people said we’re here.  AND THEN…

More close losses came, no wins on the road and finally a loss in Boulder to a very undermanned Colorado team.

That puts the Utes at 3-6 at the half way point.  The win against UCLA is nice, the losses to Oregon and Washington St., not so much.

And all of that brings us to Washington.  And if there is a more schizophrenic team than Washington, I’m not sure who they are.  I think it’s Lorenzo Romar but that is a discussion for another time.

The Huskies have both beaten ASU on the road and played Arizona tough and lost at Wazzu.  In fact, Larry is likely without a road win in three Pac-12 seasons if Romar hadn’t allowed his team to sleepwalk against the Utes last year.

So which team does Utah face tonight.  My fear is it will be good Washington.  After they crap the bed, the Huskies tend to come out strong.  And last week they crapped the bed as badly as you can against Washington St.   Plus if you’re going to get road wins in the Pac-12, they have to come on the opening game of the road trip.

So Utah needs a big effort tonight.  Dropping to 3-6 and -2 in the HoyoScale Standings, would put a big ‘ol damper on a once bright season.