BYU and Utah Basketball Face Off in Back-to-Back Games

Emerson Raymont

Published: January 24, 2026 9:00 PM ET

BYU and Utah Basketball Face Off in Back-to-Back Games

BYU and Utah’s storied men’s basketball rivalry continues with back-to-back games, starting this Saturday at the Marriott Center in Provo. Just two weeks ago, the two teams clashed in a close match that saw BYU, ranked No. 13, narrowly defeat Utah 84-79 at the Huntsman Center.

Game Details

Both teams are set to face off again, with significant implications in the Big 12 standings. The latest encounter will take place on Saturday, January 24, at 3:30 p.m. MST. The game will be broadcast live on FOX.

Current Standings

BYU: 16 wins, 2 losses (4-1 in Big 12)
Utah: 9 wins, 10 losses (1-5 in Big 12)

Historic Rivalry

The rivalry between BYU and Utah holds a unique position in college basketball history, with BYU leading the series 136-131. It is uncommon for these two teams to meet so closely together within a regular season, as previous instances occurred during conference tournaments. Historically, they played back-to-back games frequently, particularly from the 1920s to the 1950s.

Previous Matchup Highlights

In their last face-off, Utah’s junior guard Terrence Brown delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 25 points and providing five assists. His teammate, Don McHenry, added 21 points to the effort. However, BYU’s roster featured strong contributors like AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders, both of whom nearly dominated the court with 20 and 24 points, respectively.

Coaching Perspectives

First-year Utah coach Alex Jensen praised the level of competition and emphasized the importance of maintaining composure against such rival teams. He noted that the crowd’s energy in the Marriott Center could play a pivotal role in the game.

Coach Kevin Young of BYU shares a similar sentiment, expecting adjustments and strategic play from both sides, given their recent encounter. Jensen remarked on the necessity of adopting a strong start to avoid giving BYU any momentum early in the game.

Player Updates and Strategies

Utah’s squad remains in an adjustment phase, with an eight-man rotation and key players Jacob Patrick and Lucas Langarita unavailable for this matchup. This setback could affect their dynamics on the court. The Utes aim to control their game and avoid the pitfalls that hindered them in their previous contest.

As the upcoming game approaches, anticipation builds among players and fans alike. With both teams eager to solidify their standings, this back-to-back series promises high-intensity action reflective of a rivalry that never disappoints.