Utah Utes basketball: Utes' Mitchell is living a dream

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — When Leilani Mitchell opted to transfer to Utah from Idaho for her senior year, she listed the opportunity to win a championship and play in the NCAA tournament as factors in her decision.

Both have come to fruition.

The Utes went 16-0 to claim the Mountain West Conference's regular-season title, and on Saturday Mitchell joined head coach Elaine Elliott and teammate Morgan Warburton on an elevated stage answering reporters' questions at an NCAA venue.

"It was neat and really exciting," said Mitchell, who will lead the Utes (27-4) into a first-round game at Purdue (18-14) today. "I'm just trying to soak it all in and get used to everything."

It's all a bit surreal, she admits.

"It is, kind of, when I just kind of think about it," said Mitchell. "I talk to my friends and they're like 'You're living your dream.' And I really am. I've been wanting to do this for so long. So it's just exciting."

Her coach agrees.

"She's getting it, and I'm just pleased for her," said Elliott.

BIG LITTLE BATTLE: One of the most intriguing things to watch today will be the play at point guard. Utah's Mitchell is 5-foot-5 inches tall and will have a size advantage over FahKara Malone of Purdue, who is 5-3.

"I think it's going to be a tough matchup," said Malone. "Leilani Mitchell does everything well. She takes care of the ball, she controls the tempo and she can knock down shots."

GOOD TO BE DANCING: After a media availability in the afternoon, the Utes practiced at Mackey Arena. Before taking the floor, Elliott acknowledged it was good to be back in the Big Dance after a one-year absence.

"Absolutely. This is it and I'm glad our kids are here doing this," she said. "This is what they wanted."

What Elliott doesn't like, though, is a lower seeded team like Purdue being able to play NCAA tournament games at home just because they're hosting.

Elliott noted that, for the greater conversation, it's something that's still wrong with the women's tournament.