The last time these two squads met up was a nightmare for BYU. Horrific free throw shooting and execution saw the Cougars fall to the Utes for the second straight season in the Huntsman Center, despite having the better team on paper each time.
But hte direction of both teams has gone in drastically separate directions since their last contest, as BYU has become an undisputed top-25 squad and the Utes have muddled in mediocrity -- just take a look at the current Big 12 standings that present the Cougars as the fourth-best squad of the bunch after a win at Iowa State, and Utah as the 11th of 16.
BYU is on a seven-game win streak that includes victories over Arizona in Tucson, a 34-point evisceration of Kansas, and the aforementioned win in Ames. The Utes have lost three of their last four and are now without head coach Craig Smith after he was fired in recent weeks.
A shocking turn for the Utes, and one can't help but wonder if they have another plan for climbing the ladder of relevance at this point in the year. Too little too late for an at-large bid, the Utes will be fortunate to crack the NIT if they don't run the table in the Big 12 Tournament.
A season finale for both sides and the chance to wave the proverbial flag self-proclaiming to be the Beehive State's best. A battle for pride, a chance for revenge, and a season-defining clash for many reasons, the Utes and the Cougars look to provide a thrilling battle in the Marriott Center.
How to Watch BYU vs Utah:
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM MT
Location: Marriott Center, Provo, UT
Channel: ESPNU