1. These aren't Keith Van Horn's Utes. The last time Stanford played Pac-12 newbie Utah was in the 1997 Sweet 16. Brevin Knight forced overtime with a 3-pointer in the final seconds, but the Utes prevailed, 82-77, behind 25 points and 14 rebounds from Van Horn. Knight finished with 27 points -- 25 of them after halftime -- and 9 assists. Stanford missed 12 of its first 13 shots, trailed 35-21 at halftime, and shot only 32 percent from the field. "I can’t get over my disappointment. God, we had such a chance," Stanford coach Mike Montgomery said. "But we got it to a place we’ve never been before, and this guy (Knight) got us there."
2. These are Jiggy's Utes. Josh "Jiggy" Wakins, that is. The senior point guard ranks fourth in the Pac-12 in points per game (15.6) and second in assists (4.9). According to his bio, Watkins accumulated more than 300 trophies by age 10.
3. Utah doesn't score or defend well. The Utes, who managed only 33 points in a loss to Colorado last month, average 56.9 points per game and shoot 27% from 3-point range. Opponents shoot 47% and average 72 points per game.
4. Still, the Utes should not be taken lightly. Just ask Washington State.
5. One of Utah's four wins came against Portland, which is coached by former Stanford assistant Eric Reveno. The Utes beat San Diego Christian College by 3 points in its season opener.
6. In 2006, Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak guided Montana to its first NCAA Tournament win since 1975. The No. 12 seed Grizzlies defeated No. 5 seed Nevada at the Huntsman Center, Utah's home court. Mike Montgomery went 151-80 at Montana from 1978-1986, but his teams never reached the NCAA Tournament.
7. The phrase "worst team ever" has been used to describe this year's Utes on more than one occasion. Utah has shown progress with its win against Washington State and a close loss to Washington. Krystkowiak will welcome seven new players to the program next season.
8. Utah is last in the Pac-12 in rebounding margin (-3.9). Stanford is first (+6.9).
9. Utah ranks 11th in the Pac-12 in blocked shots. There is no Michael Doleac or Luke Nevill patrolling the paint on this squad. Jason Washburn, a 6-foot-10 junior, leads Utah with 11 blocks in 15 games.
10. Washburn is the Utes' most efficient player. Watkins is flashier, but Washburn (.624 TS%, 20.5 PER) is just as important to Utah's (limited) success. He's averaging 10.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.