The Utah men’s basketball team beat both Kansas and Kansas state in back-to-back games this past weekend, keeping their NCAA tournament hopes alive.
Runnin’ Utes v. No. 17 Kansas
President’s Day weekend at the Huntsman Center became a defining moment for the Runnin’ Utes, who delivered a stunning victory that reverberated throughout the Big 12. In front of a packed arena, Utah put forth their most complete performance of the season, toppling the No. 17 Kansas Jayhawks 74-67.
Gabe Madsen‘s clutch 3-pointer, breaking the program’s career record, punctuated a victory that finally provided head coach Craig Smith with a signature win. Defying preseason expectations, this win served as a powerful statement of Utah’s potential in the conference.
Utah came out firing in the first half against Kansas, jumping to an early 10-3 lead with a mix of 3-pointers and an impressive alley-oop. The Utes’ energy was high, forcing Kansas to call a quick timeout. Utah’s defense was also strong, making it difficult for Kansas to score inside and creating turnovers.
Even though Utah had some scoring droughts, their effort kept the crowd engaged. Kansas struggled to find their rhythm, but Dajuan Harris helped them go on a late 9-0 run, closing the gap. Utah held a slim lead at halftime, thanks to excellent three-point shooting. The first half was a display of Utah’s intensity, setting the stage for a tight second half.
The Runnin’ Utes, carrying their first half momentum, stormed out of the locker room with renewed vigor, immediately extending their lead to seven. Capitalizing on multiple Kansas turnovers, turning them into swift points and keeping the Jayhawks scrambling was the key to Utah’s massive upset.
Though Kansas almost mounted a comeback, chipping away at the deficit during a Utah scoring lull, the Utes remained firmly in control. Down the stretch, Utah’s relentless hustle became the defining factor. Offensive rebounds and crucial second-chance points kept possessions alive, while defensively, they stifled Kansas with contested shots and sharp rotations. Adding a historic flourish to the victory, Madsen drilled a clutch 3-pointer, etching his name atop Utah’s career 3-point list. His subsequent free throws iced the game, securing a 74-67 victory that showcased Utah’s most complete and impactful performance of the season.
The resounding takeaway from Utah’s upset victory over Kansas was the marked improvement in their physical presence and composure, a stark contrast to earlier struggles. The Utes, feeding off the energy of a packed Huntsman Center, displayed a level of intensity and resilience that had been missing in previous contests.
After the big win, Craig Smith acknowledged the improvement of the team reflecting on not only the win against Kansas but the growth of his team over the last couple weeks
“We have work to do, there’s no doubt, but we are getting better … beating Colorado on the road, there was clear signs of improvement on that,” Smith said.
He also touched on the competitive nature of the Big 12.
“This [league] is a grind. I’m so happy to be part of this league … it’s really competitive, and you have to show up; it’s mental toughness,” he added.
Runnin’ Utes v. Kansas State
The momentum from their upset victory carried into Saturday’s clash as the Runnin’ Utes faced Kansas State, resulting in a gritty, back-and-forth contest. Utah ultimately emerged with a 74-69 win, fueled by Ezra Ausar‘s dominant 21-point, eight-rebound performance and Lawson Lovering‘s double-double. This victory secured a weekend sweep and pushed the Runnin’ Utes to 15-11 overall and 7-8 in conference play, defying preseason expectations.
The Runnin’ Utes faced an early uphill battle against Kansas State, struggling to find their rhythm from the opening whistle. While Ausar provided an initial spark, Kansas State quickly seized control, establishing a 7-2 lead within the first four minutes. A subsequent Utah timeout aimed to reset the offense, focusing on getting Madsen involved.
The first half became a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage, reflected in the numerous lead changes and ties. Despite Lovering’s efforts, Utah found themselves locked in a tight 32-32 tie at halftime.
Utah’s second-half surge was immediate, fueled by offensive rebounds and a quick 6-0 run, forcing an early Kansas State timeout. The Utes built a nine-point lead, but Kansas State battled back, keeping the game close. While Utah’s offense had flashes of brilliance, they struggled with consistency, allowing the Wildcats to stay within striking distance.
In the crucial final minutes, Utah’s composure prevailed. A flagrant foul and clutch free throws shifted the momentum, and key plays from Miro Little and Madsen gave the Utes a late lead. Despite Kansas State’s relentless effort, Utah’s strong finish, highlighted by Ausar’s dominant performance and Lovering’s double-double, secured a 74-69 victory and a weekend sweep.
Fresh off their Kansas victory, the Utes faced a gritty Kansas State team, with the Huntsman Center again proving a crucial advantage. Despite an uneven performance, their resilience was clear. Defensive intensity and clutch free throws secured the win.
A dominant 51-28 rebounding advantage highlighted Utah’s physicality. Although they shot 15.8% from 3-point range, the fact that the Utes came up with the win shows the team is resilient and willing to do anything to win right now. Not completely eliminated from a March Madness bid, Utah has momentum on their side and it’s evident.
