Utah had momentum heading into its matchup with UCF at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando Sunday. The Runnin’ Utes were coming off back-to-back victories over Kansas and Kansas State, arguably Utah’s best stretch in its young Big 12 history.

Over three days, the Runnin' Utes defeated Kansas and Kansas State in Salt Lake City. Both of those programs reportedly have bigger NIL budgets than the Utes. So Utah’s head coach — who may have even saved his own job with the victories — took a confident victory lap following the program’s momentous wins.

Utah men's basketball made a shocking move on Monday by parting ways with coach Craig Smith amid the team's 15-12 record, the Field of 68's Jeff Goodman reported.

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Kansas State, meanwhile, hit 11 3-pointers — led by five from Brendan Hausen — while going 6 of 10 from the free-throw line. Utah dominated the boards again. One game after outrebounding Kansas by 10, the Utes matched that effort in the first half against Kansas State, outrebounding them by 10 in the opening 20 minutes.

Utah has officially parted ways with head men’s basketball coach Craig Smith, ending his tenure after nearly three seasons

The Kansas Jayhawks are in Salt Lake City for a 9 p.m. Saturday game against the Utah Utes (followed by a game at BYU early next week).

Colorado had Utah's number last season, beating the Utes in Boulder, 49-24. Utah will be much improved in 2025, but Colorado can still win in Salt Lake City. Both of these teams went 5-7 overall last season and are eager for a better 2025. The winner of this game will help its cause considerably.

It was an opportunity wasted. The Runnin' Utes had two wins over the Kansas schools and had some momentum going into the final stretch of the regular season.