Ayrton Oneill
The rivalry between the BYU Cougars and the Utah Utes is a historic one, with the two teams having played each other since at least 2005. In their last five games, BYU has won four, with Utah winning the most recent game on December 9, 2023, by a score of 73-69. This win broke a four-game losing streak for Utah, who had lost to BYU in December 2020, December 2021, December 2022, and December 2023. With BYU on a seven-game winning streak and Utah coming off a tough loss, the Cougars are the favorites to win this year's matchup.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| BYU's performance in the last five games against Utah | BYU: 3 wins, Utah: 2 wins |
| BYU's performance in the 2024-2025 season | Won seven consecutive games |
| Utah's performance in the 2024-2025 season | Lost two straight games |
| Utah's performance against BYU at the Huntsman Center | Won two games |
| BYU's performance in the 2023-2024 season | Ranked No. 13 |
| BYU's ranking in the 2024-2025 season | No. 7 or No. 6 |
| Utah's ranking in the 2024-2025 season | No. 10 |
| BYU's ranking in the 2025 NCAA Tournament | No. 17 |
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What You'll Learn
The Utes have won two straight in the series
The Utah Utes have won the last two games in their series against the BYU Cougars. The first of these wins came in December 2022, when the Utes beat the Cougars 75-66. Transfer point guard Rudi Williams scored 26 points off the bench, and four players were in double figures. The second win came in the 2023-24 season, when the Utes beat the Cougars 73-69.
The Utes' wins in these two games add to a rich history of rivalry between the two teams. The rivalry is set to continue in the 2024-25 season, as the teams will play twice, for the first time since 2011, when they were last in the same conference.
The Cougars have enjoyed some success in recent years, with seven consecutive wins in the 2024-25 season, and a win over Utah in December 2020, when they cruised to an 82-64 victory. They also beat the Utes in December 2018, with a final score of 74-59.
Despite the Cougars' recent winning streak, the Utes have proven they can overcome their rivals, and with a new head coach in Runnin' Utes legend Alex Jensen, they will be hoping to continue their winning streak against BYU.
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BYU has won seven consecutive games
Utah has won two straight games in the series, including a win over then-No. 13 BYU last season at the Huntsman Center. Utah senior centre Lawson Lovering, who transferred from Colorado, has never lost to BYU, with two wins over the Cougars at the Huntsman Center. However, the 2025 matchup will be his first experience playing at the Marriott Center.
The rivalry between the two teams has been long-standing, with this being the first time BYU and Utah will play two games in a season since 2011 when they were last in the same conference. The teams will head to the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City following their rivalry game.
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Utah's new coach, Alex Jensen
The University of Utah has named Alex Jensen as its 17th head coach of the Runnin' Utes men's basketball program. Jensen, a Utah native, returns to his alma mater where he was a starter on the 1998 Final Four team. Jensen has had a long and successful career in basketball, both as a player and a coach.
Jensen's playing career included a seven-year stint as an overseas pro, followed by a four-year coaching stint under his former coach, Rick Majerus, at Saint Louis University. He then moved into the professional ranks, serving as an assistant coach with the Utah Jazz for ten years, advancing to the NBA playoffs six times. Jensen also spent time as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks and has international coaching experience with USA Basketball and the German National Team. He has previously held two head coaching roles: with the Canton Charge of the NBA D-League from 2011 to 2013, and as head coach of the German National Team. Jensen is in his 18th year of coaching basketball and is widely respected for his ability to develop players and teach the game.
Jensen's former teammate, Andre Miller, is also in the mix to join the staff at Utah. Miller played for 17 years in the NBA and has been a coach for the Grand Rapids Gold, the Denver Nuggets' G League franchise, for the past three years.
Utah's athletics director, Mark Harlan, expressed his excitement about Jensen's return to Salt Lake City, stating that Jensen "brings with him tremendous experience coaching at the collegiate, NBA and international levels". Harlan is confident that Jensen will elevate the Runnin' Utes basketball program and "reignite the passion of [their] fan base".
With Jensen at the helm, the University of Utah's men's basketball program is poised to enter a new era of success, building upon Jensen's legacy as a player and his extensive coaching experience.
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BYU's Rudi Williams scored 26 points in the 2022 game
On December 17, 2022, Brigham Young Cougars guard Rudi Williams scored 26 points in a 75-66 win over the Utah Runnin' Utes. Williams, a senior transfer from Coastal Carolina, came off the bench to deliver a career-high-tying performance in his first and only rivalry game with Utah. Williams' last 7 points came in the final three minutes, securing BYU's 16th win in the last 21 meetings with Utah.
Williams' performance was all the more impressive given that he had struggled as a starter earlier in the season. However, he found his stride as a sixth man, averaging 2.75 turnovers in the past four games, compared to 3.78 turnovers per game in nine games as a starter. His leadership and mentorship of younger players have also been praised, with Williams noted for his vocal presence and willingness to get in teammates' faces during practices.
The game itself was a highly anticipated matchup between the two rivals, with BYU looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to Utah Valley. Despite their young team, BYU put up 75 points, with four players in double figures, including Williams' 26 points. Utah, meanwhile, struggled from the field, shooting just 38% and 15% from deep in the second half. BYU's defense also stepped up, forcing 14 Ute turnovers and five blocks while winning the rebound battle.
Williams' performance was a key factor in BYU's victory, and his ability to lead and mentor the team, whether as a starter or off the bench, has been invaluable. His 26 points in the 2022 game against Utah showcased his talent and helped propel BYU to a statement win over their rivals.
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The rivalry between the two teams
The rivalry between Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Utah is a storied one, with a history spanning over a century. The two institutions are located just 45 minutes apart, which has led to a constant competition for recruits and fan support. While the rivalry encompasses many sports, including football, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball, basketball has been at the heart of it since 1909.
The basketball rivalry between BYU and Utah is intense and has a long history, with both schools enjoying periods of dominance. The early years of the rivalry saw BYU take an early lead, winning the first eight meetings by an average margin of 12 points. However, by 1938, Utah had caught up, and neither team could string together more than four consecutive wins. This competitiveness continued through the 1970s and 1980s, with Utah winning 21 games to BYU's 19 during this period.
The rivalry is not just limited to the basketball court; it also extends to the fans and the history of the series. BYU and Utah disagree on when the series started, with BYU claiming 1922 and Utah asserting it was as early as 1896 when BYU was known as BYA. The first game in 1896 ended in a Utah victory, but it is disputed whether it was an official game or a practice scrimmage. Regardless, the match sparked a fight between fans, showcasing the passion and intensity of the rivalry.
The rivalry remains heated to this day, with both schools regularly competing against each other in various sports. The close proximity of the institutions ensures that the rivalry will continue to thrive, with the schools constantly vying for recruits and fan support. The rivalry games provide an adrenaline-filled atmosphere, with players and fans alike relishing the competition and the chance to prove their dominance.
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Frequently asked questions
BYU and Utah have a long history of playing each other in basketball, with the first matchup taking place on January 31, 2005. Since then, there have been several close games, with BYU winning some and Utah winning others.
Some of the key players in the rivalry include BYU forward Yoeli Childs, BYU guard TJ Haws, Utah guard Parker Van Dyke, and Utah senior center Lawson Lovering. These players have had notable performances in past BYU-Utah games and have contributed to the competitive nature of the rivalry.
It is difficult to make precise predictions about the outcome of any sporting event. However, based on recent performance and team dynamics, some sources indicate that BYU is favored to beat Utah in their upcoming game. BYU has won seven consecutive games and is considered a strong contender.
