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.

Immediate reaction to Kansas State’s basketball loss in Salt Lake City — and the NCAA Tournament implications.

The Utah Runnin’ Utes capped off an impressive stretch by securing a hard-fought 74-69 victory over Kansas State, marking their second win in three days

With under 1:30 to play and Utah nursing a 64-61 lead, Ausar again made a big play, rebounding a Utah miss, then hitting a putback as he was fouled. He made the free throw, and it was a six-point lead.

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.