The Utes have dealt with a high-powered offense like Indiana State's, when they beat BYU 73-69 in December. So they won't be in shock trying to guard the Sycamores' array of 3-point shooters. For a while Utah reeled from the midseason loss of starting point guard Rollie Worster. But now senior guard Deivon Smith is playing at another level. He's coming off consecutive triple-doubles and has 10-plus assists in six of his last nine games. Smith and Branden Carlson are matchup problems for the Sycamores. Look for a classic game that goes to the wire and grab the points.

Though the Sycamores might have been disappointed at being knocked below the Big Dance cut-line on Selection Sunday due to so many bubble thieves emerging, the NIT hasn't been a bad consolation prize as ISU has qualified for its first Final Four of any sort since the big Larry Bird year of 1979. Better yet is the is the final quartet at Butler, a short ride north from Terre Haute. The Sycs have continued their high-scoring ways in the NIT behind the "Goggle Man" 6-10 Robbie Avila (17.3 ppg). This Butler venue could be a negative for the Utes, who were 1-9 SU on the Pac-12 road and fortunate to host the first three rounds in Salt Lake. Play ISU (NIT at Indianapolis)

Utah has been dominant in the NIT with three decisive wins by nine points or more. Their size has been a big advantage with 7 footer Branden Carlson having his way. Yet, Indiana State has shown an ability to adjust in-game. They came back from big deficits against SMU and Cincinnati, and also handled a run from Minnesota. Being tested is something Utah has not experienced since the Pac-12 tournament. Take Indiana State on a neutral court.

Both teams rang up impressive points totals partly by playing all of their NIT games at home. Now they must adjust to a neutral court, which could bring their shooting accuracy down. Utah wields 7-foot rim protector Branden Carlson to limit Indiana State shots at the rim. He could impede the Sycamores' big man, leading scorer Robbie Avila. The Utes are less effective offensively on the road, as indicated by their 1-9 Pac-12 away record straight-up. One team might reach the 80s. Both are unlikely.