Coach Jim Boylen said at his weekly press conference on Monday that he and his Utah Utes are "thankful to be in the hunt" for the Mountain West Conference championship.
But they're not just in the hunt.
The Utes are in control of it, heading into probably the biggest game of the Boylen era against San Diego State at the Huntsman Center on Wednesday night. With a victory, they can assume sole possession of first place in the league with just six games remaining -- while the Aztecs can do the same if they can beat the Utes for the second time this season.
"It's going to be a big game," point guard Tyler Kepkay said. "We didn't play that well when we were down at San Diego State the first time, so we're hoping to avenge ourselves this week."
The 16-7 Utes have won 25 straight games against the 17-5 Aztecs at home, but they're playing "maybe the most physically dominant team in the league," Boylen said. "The most athletic team in the league and a team that's maybe playing the best in the league. Last time we played them, they were tougher than us. They were more physical, and they played better team basketball than we did. So we have our work cut out for us."
Both teams have won four straight games, but the Aztecs could be shorthanded.
Forward Lorrenzo Wade has been bothered by flu symptoms and did not play in a blowout victory over Air Force on Saturday, while guard Tim Shelton missed his second straight game with a sore knee. Coach Steve Fisher said both starters are doubtful "as we speak, right now, Monday morning at 9 o'clock our time," but also praised the Utes.
"They're playing great basketball right now," Fisher said. "They're playing with a lot of confidence."
