I don’t know what we are but they’re an elite team that’s playing really well right now. I like being an underdog and I certainly feel that way with this game. – Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak
DENVER — Despite what the bracket says, the third-seeded Utah Utes don’t feel like they’re facing a No. 11 seed in the second round of the NCAA tournament at the Pepsi Center. They consider Gonzaga to be much more than that.
In preparing for Saturday’s game (6:40 p.m., TNT), Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak told the Utes that — in his mind — the West Coast Conference tournament champion Bulldogs were a No. 3 seed.
“I don’t know what we are but they’re an elite team that’s playing really well right now,” said Krystkowiak, who mentioned that he didn’t mind hearing a Dick Vitale prediction on the matchup. “I like being an underdog and I certainly feel that way with this game.”
With a trip to Chicago and the Sweet 16 on the line, the Utes insist their focus is firmly on Gonzaga. Krystkowiak isn’t concerned about the seeding. At the end of the day, he noted, it comes down to the 40 minutes of play.
Utah’s players agree.
“Gonzaga, in my eyes, is not a No. 11 seed. Not at all. They’re definitely better than the No. 11 seed,” said senior guard Brandon Taylor. “Honestly, numbers are numbers. It’s not like numbers are out there on the court playing. It’s about Utah vs. Gonzaga.”
Taylor emphasized that it’s the NCAA tournament and no one should be overlooked.
“I don’t care if you’re playing a No. 15 seed or a No. 1 seed,” he said. “Gonzaga is a great team. They are one of the top teams on the west coast. Gonzaga has been the top team in its conference for years and stuff like that.”
The Bulldogs (27-7), who have won six straight games, are making their 18th consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament.
“They have a great program. They’ve been a great program. It’s definitely going to be a tough matchup,” said Utah senior forward Jordan Loveridge. “They’re a lot like us. They have some great bigs inside and they also have some guards out there that can make some plays.”
Gonzaga big guns are inside with 6-foot-10 senior Kyle Wiltjer (20.5 points per game) and 6-foot-11 sophomore Domantas Sabonis (17.5 points, 11.7 rebounds).
“They’re probably one of the more underrated teams in the tournament right now,” said Utah center Jakob Poeltl, who added that it's going to be a big challenge taking on Sabonis.
The matchup is drawing top billing.
“It’s a little bit of a throwback,” Krystkowiak said of the centers of attention. “It’s unusual.”
As for the teams, coaches Krystkowiak and Mark Few had kind things to say about one another’s programs. They’ve been friends for years.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” Krystkowiak said. “But, I think we’d still like to both beat each others brains in when the time comes — once the game tips off.”
Few, who expressed a tremendous amount of respect for Krystkowiak, acknowledged that both teams are “eerily similar.”
On Saturday, however, a separation is assured.
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