Utah Utes vs Radford Highlanders Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Madsen twins, Utah aim to end Radford’s win streak

Gabe and Mason Madsen, Utah’s dynamic twin duo, are poised to shine as the Utes prepare to host the Radford Highlanders in a high-stakes nonconference matchup in Salt Lake City this Saturday. The Utes (6-2) aim to rebound from recent struggles, while Radford (9-2) enters with the momentum of a five-game winning streak.

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Utah’s Offensive Power: The Madsen Factor

The Madsen twins have been the backbone of Utah’s offense this season, combining for an impressive 58 three-pointers, accounting for 63% of the team’s total treys.

• Gabe Madsen: Leading the Utes with an average of 21.8 points per game, he’s made a team-high 34 three-pointers, showcasing his scoring prowess.
• Mason Madsen: A spark plug off the bench, Mason contributes 11.0 points per game and has drained 24 three-pointers, making him a crucial secondary scorer.

The duo will need to rediscover their shooting rhythm to help Utah break out of its recent offensive slump.

Addressing Utah’s Recent Struggles

Utah’s offensive efficiency has taken a hit over their past two games, both of which exposed key weaknesses:

1. Cold Shooting:
   • Against Eastern Washington: 4-for-19 from beyond the arc.
   • Against Saint Mary’s: 5-for-18 from three-point range.
   • The team’s overall field goal percentage dropped to a season-low 37.5% in their 72-63 loss to Saint Mary’s.
2. Free-Throw Inconsistencies:
   • Shot just 58.8% (10-of-17) from the charity stripe in their last outing, leaving critical points on the floor.
3. Slow Starts:
   • Gabe Madsen highlighted the need for consistency: “You can’t be a no-show for a half, and that’s what bit us in the butt.”

Despite these struggles, the Utes showed flashes of resilience, with forward Caleb Lohner stepping up in his season debut. Lohner contributed eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes and earned praise from head coach Craig Smith for his “elite feel” and veteran presence.

Radford’s Resilience: A Team Built on Toughness

The Highlanders arrive in Utah riding a five-game winning streak, with their only losses coming against ACC powerhouses Pitt and Clemson.

• Jarvis Moss: Leading Radford with 15.5 points per game, Moss played a pivotal role in their recent 74-70 overtime victory over Bucknell.
• Coach Darris Nichols’ Philosophy: Radford’s mental toughness has been a cornerstone of their success. “Being able to take other people’s punches and move on from it…that’s just the type of guys we have,” Nichols said.

This resilience could prove vital as they face a Utah team hungry to bounce back.

The First-Ever Matchup: What’s at Stake?

Saturday’s game marks the first meeting between the Utes and Highlanders, adding intrigue to the contest. Utah’s size, depth, and experience give them an edge, but Radford’s balanced scoring and mental fortitude make them a formidable opponent.

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Key Factors to Watch

1. Three-Point Shooting:
   • Utah’s offense thrives on long-range shots, with the Madsens leading the way. A strong shooting performance will be crucial to avoid a third consecutive slump.
2. Rebounding Battle:
   • Caleb Lohner’s addition to Utah’s lineup bolsters their presence on the boards, which could be a decisive factor against Radford’s scrappy play style.
3. Mental Edge:
   • Radford’s ability to stay composed under pressure has defined their season, making them a tough matchup in close games.

Conclusion

This clash of styles promises to be an exciting showdown. For Utah, it’s an opportunity to bounce back and find consistency behind the Madsen twins and Lohner’s emerging contributions. For Radford, it’s a chance to prove their mettle against a power-conference opponent.

Will the Utes’ firepower prevail, or can Radford’s resilience extend their win streak? Fans won’t want to miss this battle in Salt Lake City.