The Utah basketball team will try to stay unbeaten at home when it faces Chicago State tonight (7:30) at the Huntsman Center.
The 5-2 Utes have reeled off four straight victories, three at home, since returning from the Maui Classic with a 1-2 record.In Chicago State, the Utes won't be facing a national power by any means. The Cougars are 1-4 this year and are coming off a 4-23 season. But at least it is a Division I school, unlike two of the Utes' previous victims.
Coach Rick Majerus acknowledges Chicago State is not a great team. "They've got some good athletes - they'll be good in a couple of years," he said.
Chicago State has a new head coach in Craig Hodges, the former NBA player who spent much of his career with the Chicago Bulls.
Ute freshman center Michael Doleac, who sprained his ankle against Weber State, will sit out this game, according to Majerus, but Doleac could be back later in the week.
Friday the Utes head up to Logan for a tough in-state battle with Utah State. After Christmas, the Utes play Cal-Fullerton on Dec. 27 and Northern Arizona Dec. 30 before opening the WAC season Jan. 3 at BYU.