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Team: Utah Utes
Conference: Pac 12 Conference
Coach: Larry Krystkowiak
Record: 26-8 overall, 13-5 in conference
KenPom Rank: 29
Good wins: vs San Diego State, Duke, Cal, at USC.
Impact Players: Led by NBA-bound Austrian sophomore Jakob Poeltl, the Utes do two things well - score inside the arc and defend without fouling. The guards feed Poeltl and big man Kyle Kuzma, and they shoot from beyond the arc.
How did they get in?: A strong season, filled with solid wins against competitive teams; they were ranked as high as 12 this season. They don't foul, the interior defense is very strong, and the Utes play a mature game, starting from the inside with Poeltl.
How far can this team go in the NCAA Tournament?: The Utes made the Sweet Sixteen last season and could get there again... if not to the Final Four. Fresno State provides a really tough early test, however, and Michigan State is playing at a high level. Sweet Sixteen is likely again.
Last time in the NCAA Tournament: 2015, when they made the Sweet Sixteen.