BY KENT RUPE

There's a big college basketball game coming up Saturday in Salt Lake City...one that not very many fans are even aware of...and that even fewer will attend.

It's the battle for first-place in the Mountain West Conference between Utah and BYU...women.

Both the Utes and Cougars have well-established women's programs...both have made a habit of post-season appearances...and both are undefeated in league play so far this season.

But both also suffer from a severe lack of visibility...resulting in poor fan support.  My perception of the problem is that too many basketball fans want to compare the women's game to the men's game--then tell you how the ladies just don't stack up.

In terms of playing above the rim, it's true.  But played at a reasonably high level, which Utah and BYU do, the women's game offers some things the men do not.  Like team play, sharp passing and good free throw shooting.

The coaching is pretty good too.  Jeff Judkins has turned the Cougar program into a perennial MWC power...while Elaine Elliott's record speaks for itself (500+ career wins, 14 NCAA tournament appearances, including last year's run all the way to the "Elite Eight")!

Do yourself -- and the Utes and Cougars -- a favor.  Check out the action this Saturday (January 27th) at one o'clock.  The coaches and players would love to see you there...and you just might be surprised at how good those ladies really are.