DENVER — Middle Tennessee took down mighty Michigan State Friday, clearing a path in the Midwest region for a team like Utah to do some damage. But Gonzaga lies ahead with little in the way of a sure thing when it comes to a win.
Despite different resumes and paths leading up to the NCAA Tournament, Gonzaga and Utah are essentially playing themselves — a mirrored look with similar personnel doing similar things.
Both programs feature dominant bigs that are effective in the post playing inside-out, guards that can do some damage around the perimeter and a high-efficiency offense that can quickly smother opponents while scoring in bunches.