This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
My most enduring image in recent Utah basketball history is the scene of former Ute center Jason Washburn going into the stands and hugging bunches of students after his Huntsman Center career ended with a victory over No. 19 Oregon.
That's how the Utes concluded a 5-13 season in Pac-12 play in 2013.
The memory is instructive in multiple ways. Washburn's celebration is the model of how the Utes should treat a victory over No. 9 Arizona, if that happens Saturday afternoon. And if Utah remains in the Pac-12 race by knocking off the Wildcats, the achievement clearly will become coach Larry Krystkowiak's signature win.
For all Krystkowiak has accomplished in five seasons, what's missing is a genuine landmark victory in league play. That upset of Oregon was significant, but the Utes finished 10th in the conference. The Utes were impressive against UCLA at home in 2014 and '15, but those were not vintage Bruins teams.
The same could be said of Arizona, with the Wildcats (10-5) standing third in the Pac-12 behind Oregon (11-4) and Utah (11-5). Yet the fact Krystkowiak has never beaten Arizona makes this a breakthrough opportunity, and the chances of the Utes' earning at least a share of the Pac-12 championship are good, if they win their last two games.
Senior forward Jordan Loveridge framed it as "just a big game, all the way around," and Arizona always will fit that description.
Just like last February, the Utes caught a break Thursday. Arizona State's visit was well-timed. By taking a 30-2 lead in an eventual 35-point win, Utah hardly extended itself. With the quick turnaround to Saturday's noon start, "I thought it was real important to not wear some people out," Krystkowiak said.
The Sun Devils cooperated. The Wildcats won't be accommodating in any way. Arizona is angry, coming off Wednesday's loss at Colorado, where coach Sean Miller ranted about fans storming the court and endangering the Wildcats. Player safety? Hmmm. That's a novel subject around here.
In any case, I totally agree with Miller. Some frightening postgame scenes have occurred in college basketball lately. The way the Huntsman Center is configured, the seats behind the basket (where Utah's students sit) are elevated. So it takes some effort to maneuver onto the court, which is good, as I've never believed in fans' rights to go onto the basketball court or the football field or any competition venue.
That's why I liked Washburn's celebration so much. He was personally thanking the students for their support, which is the way these observances should flow.
And that's what I would like to see Saturday, if the Utes figure out how to beat Arizona. If they do that, and end up having a shot at the conference title next weekend against Colorado, we'll re-evaluate.
Twitter: @tribkurt