Utah faces a tough test on Saturday night as they host No. 17 Kansas in a Big 12 showdown. The Utes (13-11, 5-8 Big 12) are looking to end a two-game losing streak, while the Jayhawks (17-7, 8-5 Big 12) aim to maintain their strong defensive play after a 71-59 win over Colorado.

The Kansas Jayhawks are in Salt Lake City for a 9 p.m. Saturday game against the Utah Utes (followed by a game at BYU early next week).

The Kansas Jayhawks have struggled quite a bit on the road this season, and today marks the beginning of a two game swing into the state of Utah. Up first is a late-night game against the Utah Utes.

When the scheduling matrix for Utah’s initial Big 12 basketball schedule was released last June, one matchup in particular stood out — blue blood program Kansas was coming to the Huntsman Center.

The Jayhawks obviously hope to return to Lawrence on a three-game win streak. After beating Colorado at Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday, their next obstacle is beating the Utes on their home turf in Utah. The key for the Jayhawks will be forcing the Utes to turn over the ball. Utah’s prone to security issues in that regard.

Although the Big 12 regular season championship is essentially out of sight, Kansas basketball still has a ton to play for regarding seeding in the NCAA Tournam

Take the Under on the total for the Big 12 showdown between the Kansas Jayhawks and Utah Utes for tonight's pick and prediction.

Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Colorado (+18.5) KU freshman Flory Bidunga has had a quiet couple of games. He’s averaged 4 points and 2.7 rebounds over the last three games.

Kansas basketball lost again. This time, it was an 81-73 defeat to an 11-11 Kansas State team in a game the Jayhawks were supposed to win. That makes three losses in the last five Big 12 games.