Kansas takes on the Utes of Utah

#15 7-1

#10 7-1

The Jayhawks travel west to the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO today to take on the Utes of Utah. Tip off is scheduled for 2:15 central time.

Courtesy: The Salt Lake Tribune

 15th ranked Utah is going to present a challenge to the Jayhawks defensively. Utah has held their last 7 opponents to only 38% shooting on the night. Utah handed Wichita State University its first loss of the season, ending their 35 game regular season wining streak. Kansas will be Utah's 2nd top-10 match up in the last 3 games. "They'll be hard to guard and they'll guard us well," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "Certainly, it'll be a tough game. I really believe this could be as tough a non-conference game we've played other than obviously Kentucky." Utah Senior Guard Delon White is averaging 17 points a game this season. White is a lights out shooter and averages 39% from the Arc. White has the ability to stay out of foul trouble and averages 32 minutes a game. "He's a pro," Self said. Utah has another weapon in its pocket, Freshman forward Jakob Poeltl. A true 7-footer, Poeltl is averaging 13 points a game and over 9 rebounds. Defensively, this is going to be the biggest challenge for the Jayhawks to overcome.

If the shutdown inside from Kentucky has taught Self and company anything, its that KU needs to rely on perimeter shooting. KU is lacking a proven legitimate threat in the paint. Kansas Freshman Cliff Alexander, is coming along very well. Alexander is shooting over 50% from the field and showing he can be wear you out on defense. Alexander has a long way to come though. Kansas Junior Jamari Traylor will be back in action today after serving a one game suspension. Between Alexander, Traylor and Sophomore Landen Lucas, the Jayhawks will hopefully be able to hold Poeltl down.

Kansas Sophomore Brannen Greene will get the start today. Greene went 5/5 from the Arc against Georgetown, on what was one of the most fantastic 3pt displays this writer has seen! Greene put up 19 points against the Hoyas. "According to him, if I let him play he could do it almost every night," Self said. "But he's been focused of late." Utah will no doubt be looking to shut Greene down. Georgetown had no answer so this should make for one heck of a showdown!

Kansas Junior Perry Ellis is averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds a game. Ellis put up a nice double-double against the Hoyas. Ellis got off to a slow start for his Junior campaign, but as of late has been explosive! KU will need to rely on the experience of Ellis to get trough the tough defense Utah has no doubt brought with them.

This is only the 2nd time these two teams have faced each other. The last was in 1995 with the Jayhawks winning that match up 79-68. With the lights out shooting of Greene and Poeltl in the paint, the stage is set. This will no doubt be one for the books.

ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK