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#3 Utah Utes vs. #11 Gonzaga Bulldogs, TBS, 5:40 PM Pacific (approximately), Midwest region, Denver: The Utah Utes got through their first matchup with Fresno State. It was a struggle for much of the game, as the Utes seemed to be slow to get into it and let the Bulldogs take a late second half lead. Then Utah closed it right and got the win in pretty comfortable fashion.
Up next is perennial NCAA Tournament menace Gonzaga, assuring that one West Coast team makes it better. Gonzaga went to the Elite 8 last season, and are very much a confident bunch trying to advance to the second weekend. Utah will have the advantage of elevation and size. But the Bulldogs proved to be equal to the task and have also won at elevation against BYU, and showed they could take care of themselves against Seton Hall.
It figures to be a pretty even matchup for a #3 vs. #11. Gonzaga appears to be a little overseeded like several of the 11 seeds. Can Utah return to the Sweet 16 for the second straight season?