We've noted how the Utes have been successful shooting more free throws than last year -- 21.2 per game compared to 16 last season -- and allowing opponents to shoot fractionally fewer. And while that obviously helps translate to the bottom line, it's especially helpful when the Utes are taking such advantage of their foul-shooting opportunities.

Though they have always been pretty good free-throw shooters the last few years, the Utes are now one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the country, ranking fourth by making 79.3 percent -- and getting better. The Utes made 20 of 24 foul shots in their victory over Colorado State last weekend, and have made 69 of 79 in their last four games for 87.3 percent.

Must be all that time they spend working on them in practice, under threat of wind sprints or verbal assault.

"Every day, there's pressure on guys to make free throws," assistant coach Jeff Smith said. "And as time goes on, they not only get used to that pressure, but they understand that's what going to happen, and they know they need to step up and make free throws."

Between the increased number of attempts and the improved percentage -- the Utes shot 75.8 percent from the line last year -- the Utes are scoring about 4.6 more points per game from the free-throw line, which can make a big difference in close games.

"A lot of guys just learned that last year we lost a lot of close games because of free throws," forward Shaun Green said. "So a lot of guys put in a lot of time over the summer to better themselves."

Among the rotation regulars, only forward Carlon Brown shoots under 77 percent -- he's hitting 68 percent -- and guard Lawrence Borha ranks 31st nationally by making 86.7 percent. Point guard Luka Drca is hitting 90 percent, but he doesn't have enough attempts to qualify for an NCAA ranking.