Now that the Utah Utes are in the NIT Finals, they can flash back to a promise they made to fans before the start of the collegiate postseason tournament. Before they left Salt Lake City to play in the NIT, team members pledged that they would bring back the trophy.
They are one game from doing just that. An improbable run concludes Thursday against Penn State at Madison Square Garden. Utah forward David Collete said they want win the school’s first title since 1947.
“That’s our only goal, obviously, and has been since the beginning,” he said. “We thought we could win this thing from the beginning and obviously we’re here with a shot at it now. So we’ll be trying hard.”
The moment is not lost on the Utes seniors, who realize this will be their last game. Senior point guard Justin Bibbins told reporters after the team’s semifinal win against Western Kentucky that it will be strange not to be playing anymore.
“It means the world to us,” Bibbins said. “We’re seniors, this is our last go-around playing with the guys, and you know, I love this team. I keep wanting to play with them every day. And to extend the game one more day and to do shoot-around and another game with them, this just means the world to us.”
Hard-Earned Battle
The Nittany Lions began as a 3-point favorite, but the line moved to 4. The over/under also was adjusted, moving from 135 to 134.5. They are the top pick because of playing in the stronger Big 10 conference and their previous result in the semifinal game. They destroyed Mississippi State, 75-60. Utah got past Western Kentucky, 69-64, but had four players in double figures.
Though they play in different conferences and on opposite ends of the country, Penn State coach Patrick Chambers is familiar with Utah Coach Larry Krystkowiak’s team.
“I know Larry, I’ve watched his teams,” Chambers said. “Obviously I’m up late at night so I can throw them on. “They are well-coached. They are very skilled. They are very tough. They run a million sets. We’re going to have our hands full.”
Tight Game Expected
But Penn State has a potent offense. Four players average 10 or more points per game and Utah will have a tough time limiting second-chance points because they have a tough time keeping opponents off the glass.
“It’s a handful, they have so many weapons,” Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak said. “You look at their team and they have so many guys scoring in double figures.”
This game could come down to free throws and if it does, Utah will have the advantage. Bibbins was a perfect 12 for 12 from the foul line against Western Kentucky, despite struggling from the field. The Utes are 35th in the country in free throw percentage.
“I don’t think there’s a college team — I may be wrong — that shoots more free throws in practice,” Krystkowiak said. “We’ve got some guys that really shoot a high percentage of free throws.”
