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Every time the Utes have hit the road this season, the road has hit back.
The Utes are 0-13 in games away from the Huntsman Center this season, the biggest blemish on a 6-22 record that, really, is more encouraging than it looks.
"We want to win so bad on the road," junior guard Chris Hines said. "Obviously, we've got three [wins] at home in conference — we just want one on the road. It would really help."
Utah plays at Oregon State on Thursday and then at Oregon two days later.
The Utes are coming off their biggest win of the season, a 57-56 thriller against Stanford on Saturday that leaves the Utes with more hope for their final two regular-season games than they might have had before.
"We're confident that we'll go out on the road and play a little bit better," coach Larry Krystkowiak said. "We haven't found that magic formula to be competitive and make plays down the stretch. We've had a few opportunities along the way."
The Utes have not won on the road since Feb. 19, 2011, when Hines made a buzzer-beater to beat New Mexico 62-60.
No slowing down
Krystkowiak made sure that the Utes didn't feel too good about their win over Stanford.
At least in the sense that they didn't earn any kind of break. Monday's practice was rigorous.
"You can't really let up," he said. "I think some guys maybe had a little different idea when they came in here that it was going to be an easier practice, but it wasn't."
Junior center Jason Washburn said a post-victory hangover was not a real risk for the Utes.
"The thing I really like about this team," he said, "is in the few wins we've had and all the losses we've had, we've come to practice with the right mindset."
Watkins watches
While the Utes had no outgoing seniors to honor before their final home game, former Utah point guard Josh "Jiggy" Watkins watched from the stands.
Krystkowiak kicked Watkins off the team in January after a series of issues that the coach characterized as detrimental to the team.
The team's remaining senior after center David Foster broke his foot during the exhibition season, Watkins was Utah's leading scorer before his dismissal.
At the time, Krystkowiak said he hoped Watkins would stay in school and get his degree. Krystkowiak said Watkins was on track to graduate. His mother, Lisa Watkins, was in town over the weekend, and they both visited with Athletic Director Chris Hill and Krystkowiak in addition to attending the game.
"It sure made us feel good to know they took the time to stop in and come here," Krystkowiak said. "We're still thinking about Jiggy and wishing him the best."
Hines said he still speaks to Watkins, most recently on Sunday, and said the former Ute is "doing well."
Twitter: @oramb —
Oregon State at Utah
P Thursday,7 p.m.