BYU Baseball

The Deseret First Desert Duel concludes this weekend with the BYU-Utah baseball series. Both times are struggling this year, in a neck-and-neck, three-way battle for 5th place with UNLV.

SEAN: While I will always be a BYU fan, I have to favor Utah this year in the line-up. Pitching woes have plagued the Cougars almost since day one of the season, and no team will get very far without a consistent bullpen. Unless Sean McNaughton decides to shine a good chunk of his 14 homeruns this season on the Ute defense, Cougar fans will be seeing red until next spring.

NICK: For both teams, consistency, both in pitching and on defense, will be huge. Both teams have been able swing the bats well in certain places during the season, but neither have been consistent. The first team to get some run support will probably win the game. Pitchers staying on top of the count will be a big factor as well.

Real Salt Lake

Tonight marks the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup. RSL is the defending champion, but Colorado has been playing well lately; well enough to be co-leading the Western Conference with FC Dallas. What does Real need to do in Denver to start out strong?

SEAN: First, Beckerman needs to have a big night. Without him, Real Salt Lake is at a serious disadvantage. The Rapids' Christian Gomez is too good for RSL's captain to not show up. Aside from that, however, I would look for some big plays out of forward Kenny Deuchar, the Scottish header, and assist-master Javier Morales. If each player sticks to the role that has defined him, RSL will be tough to beat.

NICK: The key to RSL winning this game isn't necessarily starting out strong, but finishing an entire match strong. Real has been up on other clubs this season, only to let up later in the game. A quick score can relieve the pressure on the goal keeper, but finishing strong will be the factor tonight.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz have shown they are more than enough for the Lakers at EnergySolutions Arena. But on-the-road is another story. What does Utah need to do to get that illustrious road win?

SEAN: Kobe's presence won't be a huge factor for the Lakers, with his current bout of back pains and spasms, but the Jazz still need to try and shut down the high-octane Laker offense, especially center Pau Gasol. If Gasol brings his A-game (he has been averaging over 18 PPG, with 8 rebounds), the Jazz will have their hands full.

NICK: The key to a road win in star-studded Staples Center is Deron Williams. He will need to be as aggressive offensively as he was in Salt Lake City. Utah also needs four or more people to get into double figures, keep the free-throw disparity to a minimum, and have a big advantage on the boards. Let the injured Kobe Bryant shoot thirty times a game; keeping the role players in check is going to be huge.