Utah’s showdown with Indiana State in the NIT semifinals at the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse is drawing near, and the parallels between the Sycamores and BYU are striking. Senior center Branden Carlson pointed out the similarities, emphasizing the need to lock down on defense, especially against the 3-point shot, which both teams excel at.
The heart of Indiana State’s offense beats through their 6-foot-10 center, Robbie Avila, who boasts impressive stats across the board, averaging 17.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. This style mirrors BYU's game, particularly their reliance on the 3-point shot, a strategy that has become a trademark of the Sycamores.
Gabe Madsen also drew parallels between Indiana State and BYU, highlighting their fast-paced play and reliance on their center. While BYU's Aly Khalifa played a crucial role as a facilitator, Indiana State's Aliva takes it a step further, with their offense revolving around him. Aliva has been a sharpshooter, averaging 1.6 3-pointers per game, and the Sycamores boast a deep lineup, with five players hitting 30 or more shots from downtown this season.
Comparing overall offensive efficiency, Indiana State has outperformed BYU, leading the nation in effective field goal percentage, showcasing their prowess in shooting. Both teams heavily rely on the 3-pointer, with Indiana State ranking fourth nationally in 3-pointers per game. Their offensive style mirrors BYU, with nearly half of their field goal attempts coming from beyond the arc.
Utah, having faced BYU earlier in the season, knows what it takes to stifle a 3-point-heavy offense. In their December matchup, the Utes limited BYU to just 7-of-30 shooting from long range. Coach Craig Smith recognizes the challenge that Indiana State presents, noting their unique strengths on offense and their defensive prowess, which often goes unnoticed.
The Utes are coming off a strong defensive performance against VCU, where they held a team that heavily relies on the 3-point shot to just 5-of-26 shooting from beyond the arc. Coach Smith acknowledges the similarities between BYU and Indiana State but emphasizes the Sycamores' distinct abilities, particularly their versatility and decision-making on offense.
As Utah gears up for the semifinal clash, their familiarity with BYU's style of play could prove beneficial. However, they are wary of underestimating Indiana State, a team that has shown resilience and skill on both ends of the court.
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