BYU/Utah Basketball Rivalry Gears Up For Big 12 Debut
Jan 16, 2025, 11:50 AM
The longstanding BYU/Utah rivalry will make its debut in the Big 12 Conference, ushering in a return to conference action. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – BYU/Utah men’s basketball teams will square off for the 265th meeting on Saturday at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
What’s noteworthy about this meeting is that it will be the first matchup against one another in the Big 12 Conference.
Back in a conference again for the first time since 2011
BYU and Utah have been playing since 1908. They were conference rivals from 1923 to 2011, most notably in the WAC and Mountain West, before they split for the PAC-12 and WCC, respectively. Now, they are back in the same league, and the platform is one of the best hoop leagues in the land.
That means these matchups are played in January and March, and they impact conference standings.
Since 2011, the programs have met in November or December during non-conference play. Bringing this longstanding rivalry to league play again elevates the stakes.
“It’s obviously always an exciting game. I think when you play those types of rivalry games, everything just goes out the window. So it’s like, who wants it the most? And who’s gonna come ready to compete,” said Utah guard Gabe Madsen, who scored 17 points in last year’s BYU/Utah game. “It’s pretty hard not to come ready to compete in those games, a lot of energy, it’s really fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
BYU leads the all-time series 134-130, with Utah winning the last matchup at the Huntsman Center a season ago.
The two teams are looking to continue the momentum they are currently on. Utah enters the game on a two-game winning streak after defeating Oklahoma State at home for their first-ever Big 12 win, then pulling off a road victory at TCU on Wednesday.
BYU ended a three-game losing streak with a win at the Marriott Center over Oklahoma State.
Both teams are 2-3 in Big 12 play this season and looking to climb up the standings.
The Big 12 era for BYU/Utah
BYU/Utah lived up to all the hype on the football field in its Big 12 debut. The Cougars put together a last-second drive that led to a Will Ferrin field goal, keeping BYU’s undefeated season alive and giving the Cougars a 22-21 victory.
In addition to delivering a memorable finish, the late-night “Big 12 After Dark” television spot had a strong viewership total exceeding 2 million.
In a new-look league like the Big 12 that needs appointment viewing rivalry games each year, BYU/Utah is off to a strong start.
BYU/Utah doesn’t hold the same clout nationally as the football series. However, the hardwood rivalry is the 14th longest in NCAA Division I men’s basketball.
The Big 12 prioritized that history by making BYU/Utah a two-game regular season matchup in this year’s conference slate. Along with Saturday night at the Huntsman Center, the in-state rivals, separated by less than 50 miles, will clash in the Marriott Center in Provo for the first time since 2020 to close out the regular season on March 8.
“It’s amazing. We’re super fortunate to be able to play in a rivalry like this. I think it means even that much more the fact that they’re now in the Big 12 Conference,” said BYU guard Trevin Knell, who is 2-2 in games against Utah during his career.
“I was just telling the team, ‘Guys, get ready. Because, yeah, their stadium might not be as full, but this game is gonna be rocking. We’ve got to come out ready to go.’… So it’s gonna be a fun little matchup. Those games always go down to the wire. So I’m really pumped to play in this rivalry again. It’s gonna be awesome.”
BYU vs. Utah
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Tip-Off: 7 p.m. (MST)
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Radio: KSL NewsRadio 102.7 FM, 1160 AM (BYU call); 700 AM (Utah call)
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
