For now, the Runnin’ Utes’ season is over following a 87-72 loss to UCF in the Big 12 tournament.
It’s the end of a three-week stretch where Utah dropped five of its last six games of the 2024-25 season and former head coach Craig Smith was terminated from the program.
Even with the latest struggles, Utah still has hopes of extending its season with a postseason tournament invite. The program could earn an invite to the College Basketball Crown, a 16-team men’s postseason tournament that will take place from March 31 to April 6 in Las Vegas on FOX and FS1.
“I think it’s hard to [answer that question right now],” Utah interim head coach Josh Eilert said on Tuesday when asked about the Utes’ postseason plans. “I’m 100% all in. I’m excited about it. I know players have to make decisions, but I think it’d be special to have another opportunity to battle with these guys.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) leads a fast break, in Big 12 basketball action between the Utah Utes and the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Jon M. Huntsman center in Salt Lake City, on Saturday, Mar 1, 2025.
“I told them in there how I proud I am of them, and how excited I was to jump on the floor with them. ... They are a joy to be around. They are a fun group. I don’t want it to end whatsoever. I want to go to battle with them in Las Vegas and string some more wins together.”
The College Basketball Crown is a new annual tournament created by Fox Sports and the Anschutz Entertainment Group that hopes to rival the National Invitation Tournament or NIT. Six of the 16 teams are selected among Big 12, Big East, and Big Ten teams, with two automatic bids going to each of those conferences, plus 10 at-large spots among all of college basketball chosen by a “select committee.” Tournament games take place at either the MGM Grand Garden Arena or T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
With Utah’s loss in the Big 12 Tournament, it ended the season 16-16 and 11th in its new conference. It’s now been nine years since the Runnin' Utes have earned a bid into March Madness.
Last season — after falling short of the NCAA Tournament — Smith and Utah accepted an invite to the NIT before it was eliminated in the semifinals against Indiana State.
