Five keys to Colorado women’s basketball’s conference opener vs. Utah

What are your predictions for Colorado’s massive conference opener against Utah?

The No. 8 Colorado women’s basketball team will open its Pac-12 slate of games on Saturday with a tough home matchup against No. 10 Utah.

The Buffaloes dominated the Utes at the CU Events Center last season and doing so again this year would equate to a statement win. Colorado should be well rested for conference play as it has played only one game since Dec. 5. Head coach JR Payne and the Buffs will face a gauntlet of difficult opponents over the next few months with five total Pac-12 teams currently ranked in the latest AP Poll.

Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. MT on the Pac-12 Network.

Here are five keys to CU starting conference play with a W: