For the first time in four years, the Runnin' Utes own sole possession of first place in the Mountain West Conference, thanks in large part to senior Shaun Green, who dropped 21 points as the Utes took a one-game lead in the MWC standings Wednesday night by defeating San Diego State 67-55. The game also extended Utah's streak to five.

After a big win over the San Diego State Aztecs, one Utah name stood out. Shaun Green nailed a 3-pointer with 1:10 left in the game that sealed the deal for the Utes, giving them a 10-point lead over the Aztecs. But that wasn't all he did.

The Aztecs took the first contest of the year on their home floor, and Utah is looking to return the favor with a home win of its own. With both teams riding four-game winning streaks and a 7-2 Mountain West Conference record into the Huntsman Center, the Utes understand how big a win this would be.

Utah, 16-7 (7-2 MWC), had four players score 15 points and shot 11-for-24 from 3-point range en route to the 80-70 win over the Cowboys.

It was another close game for the Runnin' Utes, and for the third game in a row, they found a way to win.

The TCU game marked the halfway point of the Runnin' Ute conference season, and as of Wednesday night, they are tied with San Diego State at the top of the conference at 6-2.

The Utes have been able to win seven straight games at home, but to make the NCAA Tournament, they'll have to apply that success on the road.

The Runnin' Utes remain tied with two other teams atop the Mountain West Conference standings, despite inconsistent success on the road.

With wins over BYU and New Mexico last week, Utah is in a three-way tie for first place in the Mountain West Conference, along with UNLV and San Diego State at 5-2 in conference play.

For the second straight game, the Runnin' Utes found themselves in a battle with one of the Mountain West Conference's best8212;and in the end it was the same story, but a different hero.