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The Runnin' Utes' game against Southern tonight at the Huntsman Center isn't one likely to be circled on many calendars as one of the season's best matchups.
However, for the Utes, tonight's game against the Division I-AA school is viewed as crucial to retain momentum they earned by beating Utah State on Wednesday evening.
"That was a big confidence booster for this young team," Utah coach Jim Boylen said of the 68-67 win. "It helped me to have proof of what I've been preaching, to play with force and support each other and trust each other. When you win, things you are teaching become true."
The improvement Boylen saw in his team from the opening loss against Idaho to Wednesday's victory came in the way they communicated better which led to a stronger defensive performance and stronger overall play.
"We still have a theme of getting better with seven new guys and three holders so we're still meshing the veterans and learning to trust the new guys," he said. "At times we looked good and at times we looked dysfunctional, but what I'm most concerned about is making this team better for January and then in March. We are improving."
Southern is in the midst of a two-week road trip with losses to Baylor (61-45) and Oklahoma State (93-61) to open the season.
"They're a very athletic team with speed and quickness which is good for us because we need to get ready to guard that in our league," Boylen said.
"Idaho was
