SALT LAKE CITY-Saturday, Utah men’s basketball (11-7, 2-4 in Pac-12 play) hosts Washington State (12-8, 3-4 in Pac-12) as the Utes and Cougars are middling in the conference standings ahead of the tilt at the Huntsman Center.

In his ninth season at the helm of the Utes’ program, Larry Krystkowiak (166-118, .585 at Utah; 208-138, 601 as a collegiate head coach) led Utah to a 67-66 win over Washington Thursday.

The Utes score 75.3 points per game as Utah ranks 89th nationally in scoring offense.

Sophomore forward Timmy Allen leads the Utes in scoring (19.4 points per game) and rebounding (7.6 boards per game).

Sophomore guard Both Gach (10.9 points per game) and freshman guard Rylan Jones (10.4 points per game, and team-bests in assists [86] and steals [18]) also score in double figures on-average for the Utes.

Freshman center Branden Carlson continues to lead the Utes in blocked shots on the season with 15 swats.

Utah gives up 72.4 points per game as the Utes are tied for 252nd nationally in scoring defense with Cal Poly.

Washington State is coached by Kyle Smith who is 12-8 (.600) in his first season at the helm of the Cougars’ program.

Washington State scores 71.6 points per game as the Cougars rank 173rd nationally in scoring offense.

Sophomore forward CJ Elleby leads Washington State in scoring (18.8 points per game), rebounding (7.1 boards per game) and steals (33).

Junior guard Isaac Bonton (14.3 points per game) leads the Cougars in assists (72) and Slovenian national, forward Aljaz Kunc has a team-best 11 blocked shots.

Washington State surrenders 67.5 points per game as the Cougars rank 138th nationally in scoring defense.

The Utes lead the Cougars 25-4 all-time and 17-1 at Salt Lake City. Utah has won the last 11 games overall in the series.