The University of Utah's men's basketball team, the Runnin' Utes, secured a decisive victory over VCU with a final score of 74-52, advancing to the NIT semifinals. The game, held at the Huntsman Center, was notable for several reasons, including standout performances from players such as Deivon Smith, who achieved his 5th triple-double, and Branden Carlson, who played his last game at the Huntsman Center. Smith's achievement marked his 5th triple-double, setting a new all-time record in the Pac-12 and bringing him one shy of tying the NCAA record. The victory sets up a semifinal matchup against Indiana State at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The game was also significant as it represented the final season of the Pac-12 for Utah.
.@sneakgod broke a 30-year old Pac-12 record held by Jason Kidd to help advance @UtahMBB to the semifinals of the NIT. #GoUtes https://t.co/xIkVyh2eNx
Utah punches its ticket to the NIT final four with a dominant win over VCU Story by @brandonljudd https://t.co/23wG9d7B3M
Utah men’s basketball takes talents to Indiana for NIT semifinals https://t.co/irQAaHiUtn
Smith said Branden Carlson "wanted this one bad." He has the memory of his senior night, but he really wanted this one. "This will be a game he'll remember for the rest of his life."
3 keys to Utah’s lopsided win over VCU in the NIT quarterfinals Story by @brandonljudd https://t.co/K1pdNHUNJR
.@UtahMBB advances to the semifinal of the NIT at Hinckle Fieldhouse. #GoUtes https://t.co/OMbnlieELj
The Runnin' Utes had some fun in their last meeting at the Huntsman Center this season. It's time for the NIT semifinals now at the Hinkle Fieldhouse. https://t.co/IiG5YpyIOM
FINAL: Utah 74 | VCU 54 Welcome to the NIT semifinals, Utah. A fun matchup against Indiana State awaits.
FINAL: Utah 74 | VCU 52 Welcome to the NIT semifinals, Utah. A fun matchup against Indiana State awaits.
What a career for Branden Carlson. Gets the standing ovation as he's subbed out for the last time in the Huntsman Center.
In the final season of the Pac-12, Deivon Smith now holds the all-time record with 5 triple-doubles, beating out someone named Jason Kidd. He's 1 triple-double shy of tying the NCAA record, which is held by BYU's Kyle Collinsworth.
MTO | 2H | 3:53 Utah 71 | VCU 47 This one is all but over. Imagine Craig Smith will sub Branden Carlson out of the game after the timeout to let the crowd celebrate his career.
DEIVON SMITH TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Deivon Smith is now 1 rebound and 1 assist shy of a 5th triple-double in a 24-point game haha
Starters for the Runnin' Utes in their final home game of the season against VCU (and a chance at the NIT semis): 2 | G | Cole Bajema 5 | G | Deivon Smith 55 | G | Gabe Madsen 34 | C | Lawson Lovering 35 | C | Branden Carlson
Make sure you don’t miss @UtahMBB star @ballerbranden35’s last time playing in the Huntsman Center. Here is how you can watch: #GoUtes https://t.co/fRthdVu0Kk
Utah’s NIT quarterfinal matchup against VCU has a certain Utah State flavor Story by @brandonljudd https://t.co/ZmFULP6Nkv
How to watch Utah play VCU in the NIT quarterfinals Story by @brandonljudd https://t.co/IqHJMnsS0h