Utah heads into this game looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Washington in the pre-season NIT.  Jim Boylen continues to instill toughness within his team and will find out tonight how they can respond after a loss.

Santa Clara is coming into the Huntsman Center with a 2-1 records so far and they are coming on their first loss of the season as well.  The Broncos lost 67-54 to Nevada on Nov. 17 in Reno.  Luke Nevill will match up with John Bryant for the Broncos.  John Bryant is a 6'10" 305 pound center that will make Luke work on the offensive and defensive end of the court.

Santa Clara comes into the game tonight with two players averaging points in the double digits.  John Bryant averages 25 points/game and Calvin Johnson, a 6'2" guard, averages 14 points/game.  Utah, on the other hand, is more balanced with 4 players averaging double digits in points.  Luke Nevill leads the team at 14.7 points/game, Stephen Weigh averages 14.0 points/game, Lawrence Borha averages 13.0 points/game and Johnnie Bryant averages 12.7 points/game off the bench.

Utah's balance, scoring ability of bench players and home court advantage at the Huntsman Center give the Runnin' Utes the edge in this contest.

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