Petersen was asked about similarities between the two programs ahead of his matchup with the Hoosiers on Friday.
Utah women’s basketball head coach Gavin Petersen was asked about the similarities between his program and Teri Moren’s Indiana during a media availability ahead of the two’s matchup in the first round of NCAA Tournament play.
Both the Hoosiers and Utes are strong 3-point shooting teams living in a period of adjustment after losing program-defining frontcourt players: Mackenzie Holmes for Indiana and Alissa Pili for Utah.
“Yeah, you know, Teri and her coaching staff have done a phenomenal job over the last six, eight years,” Petersen said. “They’ve been really good. They’ve been hosting the first and second rounds at their place. We got to do that one year. They’ve multiple times. So credit to them and their program and continuing to be in that upper part of the Big10. So hats off to them.”
Petersen went on to note the point that both teams emphasize shooting from deep and the game should be an entertaining watch for viewers while both staffs and players try to run the other group off of the perimeter.
“Both teams have remarkable three point shooters, and I’m sure they’re going to try to take away ours, as we are theirs,” Petersen said. “It’s a chess match in that regard. But like I said, I think our kids are prepared. Our main focus is our max effort and intensity. If we can sustain that for 40 minutes, the results are the results and we can be happy with that as long as we take care of the things we can control.”