California looks to extend its winning streak to six games and strengthen its case for an NCAA tournament bid when the Bears host Utah on Thursday. Junior Justin Cobbs was named the Pac-12 player of the week after averaging 16 points in two wins over the Oregon schools, and fellow guard Allen Crabbe continues to lead the conference in scoring at 19 points per game. Utah has lost four straight to the Bears, including a 62-57 decision on Jan. 24.California has moved into position to win its second Pac-12 regular-season championship in the last four years by winning seven of its last eight games. The Bears are within one game of conference leaders Arizona, Oregon and UCLA, and they play their final three contests at home against Colorado and Stanford after facing Utah. The Utes are looking to surpass their Pac-12 win total of a year ago, but they face an uphill battle against the Pac-12's hottest team.TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU.ABOUT UTAH (11-15, 3-11 Pac-12): Coach Larry Krystkowiak isn't throwing in the towel, but he plans on expanding his rotation with two weeks to play in the regular season. Starters will likely see fewer minutes so Krystkowiak can get a longer look at players such as freshman wing Dakarai Tucker, who has averaged seven points off the bench in the last two games. Senior center Jason Washburn, averaging 11.7 points and a team-high 6.7 rebounds, stands 16 points away from 1,000 for his career. Washburn had 14 points and seven boards in the Utes' 62-57 loss to California on Jan. 25. Senior guard Jarred DuBois averages 11.8 points for the Utes, who have lost four of their last five games.ABOUT CALIFORNIA (18-9, 10-5): Cobbs led the Bears in scoring for the second straight game with 18 points in a 60-59 win over Oregon State on Saturday, and he's been a key part of the team's recent surge. Cobbs is averaging 13.6 points in conference play while sharing the scoring load with Crabbe, who was named one of 30 candidates for the national player of the year award. Crabbe had 23 points in the first matchup with Utah. The Bears are holding opponents to 40.7 percent shooting from the field, which leads the Pac-12 in league play. Forward David Kravish averages a team-high 6.9 rebounds.TIP-INS1. The Bears have won at least 10 conference games all five seasons under coach Mike Montgomery.2. Utah is 1-11 when trailing at the half.3. California has won its last three games by a total of 11 points.PREDICTION: California 68, Utah 60