SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) - While this isn't the NCAA Tournament Final Four, "it's our Final Four," said Utah head basketball coach Craig Smith."
The Utes blew past VCU Wednesday night to earn its second trip to the NIT Final Four since 2018, and will try to win its first NIT championship since 1947.
"This is our tournament that we're in," Smith said. "This is the race that we're running in, so no matter what's in front of you and where you're at, I think it says a lot about your character to move forward with the hand that you're dealt."
The Utes will face Indiana State in one semifinal on Tuesday in Indianapolis, with Seton Hall and Georgia playing in the second semifinal.
Just to still be playing basketball in late March and early April is still an accomplishment for this team that has had its share of ups and downs.
"Sometimes it's not how many punches you can throw, it's how many you can get up from," Smith said. "By the end of Sunday, there's going to be eight division one men's basketball teams playing out of 362. And we're one of those eight, and nd I'm proud of that."
"It was obviously never the goal to make the NIT," said Utes guard Gabe Madsen, who poured in 18 points against VCU. "But now that you're in it, it's like, let's go win this thing. And with four teams left, it feels super feasible."
Deivon Smith notched his fifth triple-double of the season with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists, as he passed Jason Kidd for the most in a season in Pac-12 history. And considering there is no more Pac-12 after this year, that record will stand forever.
"Honestly, before the game, it didn't mean anything," Smith said. "But tonight, I really wanted to break it, especially at home."
So now it's on to historic Hinkle Field House for the NIT Final Four against top-seeded Indiana State in a building they shot the final game of Hoosiers.
"Hoosiers like one of my favorite movies growing up," Madsen said. "So to be going to Hinkle, and I have a lot of family there because it's pretty close to Minnesota."
"I've never been to Hinkle," Craig Smith said. "I know it's a historic arena. I've heard it's not very big, and I've heard it's pretty close to sold out if it's not."
Indiana State has a record of 31-6, and narrowly missed out on the NCAA Tournament.
"They were one of the first four out for the tournament," said Utes center Branden Carlson, who had 17 points against the Rams on Wednesday. "So they have a chip on their shoulder, and we've got to come out with a of motivation to go for that game."
Utah made the NIT championship game in 2018 when it lost to Penn State in Madison Square Garden, but hasn't won a postseason title in some 77 years.
"These are memories of a lifetime." Craig Smith said. "You play college athletics, and that's a four or five year window in your career. So that will be a game that they'll remember for the rest of their life."
Utah and Indiana State will tip off at 5:00 p.m. MST at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Tuesday, April 2nd.