DENVER — No. 3 Utah vs. No. 11 Gonzaga. Jakob Poeltl vs. Domantas Sabonis. It’s a matchup made it heaven for fans of the NCAA Tournament, at least for those interested in watching dynamic post players battle it out for a chance at a Sweet 16 berth.
Both Poeltl and Sabonis had tremendous first nights: Poeltl finished the night with 16 points, 18 rebounds and four assists; Sabonis finished with 21 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
Poeltl’s 18 rebounds were a career high and was more rebounds than the entire Fresno State team, who had only 15 rebounds.