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New York • As the only member of this year's BYU basketball team who was on the club in 2013 that lost to Baylor in the National Invitation Tournament semifinals, Nate Austin has two primary goals for the Cougars' visit to the Big Apple this time around.

First, Austin wants the Cougars to win that first game, which is Tuesday at 5 p.m. MDT against Valparaiso, a No. 1 seed and slight favorite to edge BYU at Madison Square Garden.

Second, Austin wants to visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, something the Cougars didn't get to experience three years ago. The memorial opened in 2011, but the museum wasn't quite finished when the Cougars were there and opened about two months later.

"I've been to New York several times, so the big thing for me won't be sightseeing," Austin said. "The big thing is getting that win Tuesday. That's the No. 1 priority for all of us."

Ever since BYU knocked off Creighton 88-82 last Tuesday to advance to the NIT's Final Four, Austin has talked to his teammates about the importance of going a step or two beyond what the 2013 team did.

"I've told them we will have a great time, but it will be an even better time if we win," Austin said. "We will go explore the city and experience New York. It is exciting to be able to play in Madison Square Garden, a place that holds a lot of basketball history."

The Cougars took Wednesday off, then practiced in Provo on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They departed for New York City on Sunday, and will participate in a news conference at noon on Monday at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The Manhattan hotel will also host a welcome dinner for players and coaches Monday evening.

"I've said this before, but every season you get started — this is our 11th season — you get them together and you want them to have a special experience," BYU coach Dave Rose said.

It isn't the NCAA Tournament, but the Cougars feel like making a nice run in the NIT is better than sitting home in March.

"This team has been able to respond to disappointment, and then has been able to take advantage of it," Rose said. "We got ourselves in a league chase, and couldn't finish it. And then we got another chance [in the WCC Tournament] and couldn't finish it. But we got a chance here, and now we have a chance to go finish it, and hopefully we can."

Baylor beat BYU 76-70 in the 2013 semifinals and was coached by Scott Drew, the brother of current Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew. Tyler Haws scored 25 points, Matt Carlino added 19 and Brandon Davies had 13. Carlino made five 3-pointers in the second half, including three in the final minute and 31 seconds to trim a double-digit Bears lead to three with 30 seconds remaining.

Austin had one of the better games of his sophomore season with a season-high nine points and 11 rebounds, his career high until he had 16 against San Francisco in 2014.

"My main memory is actually of losing, unfortunately," Austin said. "Hopefully we can win two games this time and get a championship. It was fun to play on that stage, in a different venue like that against a quality opponent. Certainly, we're facing another great opponent this year, too."

Junior forward Kyle Davis, who broke out of mild slump with 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting against Creighton, said the Cougars have earned this opportunity by sticking together when times got rough at the end of the season and the WCC Tournament.

"We want to go to New York and make the most of this opportunity we have, playing in Madison Square Garden," Davis said. "It is a great opportunity for us."

As for facing Valpo, Austin said the Crusaders play a lot like WCC co-champion Saint Mary's offensively, but like no team they've faced this year defensively.

"They are in the top 10 in several defensive categories," Austin said. "They won 29 games. They are a team that is used to winning that is playing well right now."

drew@sltrib.com Twitter: @drewjay —

NIT semifinal

BYU vs. Valparaiso

P At Madison Square Garden, New York

Tipoff • Tuesday, 5 p.m. MDT

TV • ESPN