Teh BYU-utah basketball rivalry is one of the most storied matchups in college sports, with a history as intense as it is indeed unpredictable. Believe it or not, there was a time when this rivalry was as heated on the basketball court as it is today on the football field. Maybe even more so.
Back in the 1970s, legends like Mike Newlin, Danny vranes, and Tom Chambers represented Utah, while Danny Ainge, Devin Durrant, and Fred Roberts donned the BYU jersey. These twice-a-year matchups were as bitter and fierce as any in the country.
though, the rivalry cooled in the 1980s as college basketball’s popularity waned in Utah, partly due to the arrival of the Utah Jazz in 1979. Both programs struggled on the national stage until Rick Majerus took the helm at Utah in 1989. Under Majerus, the Utes climbed back into the national spotlight, while BYU faltered, culminating in a dismal 1-25 season in 1996-97 that led to Roger Reid’s firing after just seven games.
Before Majerus, BYU had dominated, winning 13 of 21 matchups, including a four-game streak in 1979 and 1980. But majerus changed the tide. On February 10, 1990, his utes defeated BYU 89-73 at the Huntsman Center, sparking a four-game winning streak. BYU responded by winning eight of the next ten games, but Utah quickly regained control, defeating BYU 12 straight times between 1995 and 2000.
The rivalry seemed dead until Steve Cleveland led BYU to a 58-54 victory in the 2000 Mountain West conference tournament semifinals,snapping Utah’s streak. For the next six years, the rivalry was evenly matched. Then, under Dave Rose, BYU dominated again, winning 11 of 12 games between 2007 and 2011, with Utah’s only win coming in a 94-88 overtime thriller in 2009.
The rivalry took a new turn in 2011 when Utah joined the Pac-12 and BYU moved to the West Coast Conference, reducing their matchups to once-a-year non-conference games. Since then, the intensity has waned, but the history remains unforgettable.| Key Moments in the BYU-Utah Rivalry |
|—————————————–|
| 1970s: Fierce matchups with legends like Danny Ainge and Tom Chambers. |
| 1980s: Rivalry cools as college basketball’s popularity declines. |
| 1990: Rick Majerus leads Utah to a four-game winning streak. |
| 2000: Steve Cleveland snaps Utah’s 12-game streak. |
| 2007-2011: Dave Rose’s BYU dominates, winning 11 of 12 games. |
| 2011: Utah joins Pac-12, BYU moves to WCC, reducing annual matchups. |
The BYU-Utah basketball rivalry may not be as fiery as it once was, but its history is a testament to the passion and unpredictability of college sports. For more on this storied rivalry, explore the archives of the Deseret News [1].
Utah-BYU Basketball Rivalry: A Look Back at Iconic Moments
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The Utah-BYU basketball rivalry is one of the most storied in college sports, marked by thrilling games, unforgettable performances, and a fierce competition that has captivated fans for decades. With Utah joining the Big 12 this season, reuniting with BYU in the same conference for the first time as 2011, the stage is set for another chapter in this historic rivalry.
The two teams will face off on Saturday at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake city, their first conference matchup in over a decade.BYU holds a 16-6 edge over Utah since 2007, but the Utes won the last meeting in 2023 with a 73-69 victory. As anticipation builds, let’s revisit some of the most memorable games in this rivalry as 1990.
March 8,1990: Utah 62,BYU 61 (OT)
In a dramatic WAC tournament first-round game in El Paso,Texas,Utah staged two comebacks to secure an overtime victory. Down by nine points in regulation and five in overtime, the Utes rallied behind Craig Rydalch and Tommy Connor, who hit a game-winning 3-pointer with seven seconds left.This win marked Rick Majerus’ return to coaching after heart surgery, adding an emotional layer to the triumph.
March 9, 1991: BYU 51, Utah 49 (OT)
In a defensive battle for the WAC tournament championship in Laramie, Wyoming, BYU pulled off a stunning upset. Freshman Shawn Bradley dominated with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks, earning praise from Majerus, who predicted Bradley would become “the best player in the history of the WAC.” This was Bradley’s final game against Utah before departing on a church mission and later entering the NBA draft.
Feb. 27, 1993: No. 11 Utah 89, No. 23 BYU 83
With first place in the WAC on the line,Utah delivered a thrilling performance at the sold-out Huntsman Center. Phil Dixon scored 28 points, and Josh Grant grabbed 22 rebounds to lead the Utes to victory. Despite BYU’s early lead, utah surged ahead in the second half and held off a late Cougars rally.
Jan. 8, 1994: BYU 64, Utah 62
True freshman Robbie reid, son of BYU coach Roger Reid, became an instant hero with a game-winning 3-pointer as the shot clock expired. His clutch shot secured the win in front of the second-largest crowd in Huntsman Center history.Utah’s Craig Rydalch had a potential game-tying layup wiped away due to a charging foul, sealing BYU’s victory.
March 10, 1994: BYU 96, Utah 65
In a dominant WAC tournament performance at the Delta Center, BYU routed Utah to complete a three-game season sweep. The Cougars’ offense was firing on all cylinders, showcasing their depth and skill in front of a packed Salt Lake City crowd.
The Rivalry Today
With both teams now in the Big 12,the Utah-BYU rivalry is poised for a new era. Saturday’s game at the Huntsman Center will be their first conference matchup as 2011, reigniting a competition that has produced countless unforgettable moments.
Key Moments in the Utah-BYU Rivalry
| Date | Result | Key Players | Highlight |
|——————-|————————–|————————————-|——————————————————————————-|
| March 8, 1990 | Utah 62, BYU 61 (OT) | Tommy Connor, Craig Rydalch | Connor’s game-winning 3-pointer in overtime |
| March 9, 1991 | BYU 51, Utah 49 (OT) | Shawn Bradley | Bradley’s 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks |
| Feb. 27, 1993 | Utah 89, BYU 83 | Phil dixon, Josh grant | Dixon’s 28 points and Grant’s 22 rebounds |
| Jan. 8, 1994 | BYU 64, Utah 62 | robbie Reid | Reid’s game-winning 3-pointer with 16 seconds left |
| March 10, 1994 | BYU 96, Utah 65 | BYU Team Effort | Dominant WAC tournament win at the Delta Center |
As the Utah-BYU rivalry enters a new chapter, fans can expect more thrilling games and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss Saturday’s showdown at the Huntsman Center, where history will once again be made.
What’s your favorite Utah-BYU basketball memory? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
The BYU-Utah Rivalry: A Storied History of Thrilling Basketball Battles
The BYU-Utah basketball rivalry is one of the most intense and storied matchups in college sports. Over the years, these games have delivered unforgettable moments, dramatic finishes, and iconic performances. From buzzer-beaters to heated confrontations, the rivalry has captivated fans and defined legacies. Here’s a look back at some of the most memorable games in this fierce competition.
March 10, 2000: BYU 58, Utah 54
In the inaugural Mountain West Conference tournament in Las Vegas, BYU snapped Utah’s 12-game winning streak in the series. Eric Nielsen, who scored a career-high 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, called the win “a dream come true.” BYU coach Steve Cleveland emphasized the meaning of the victory, stating, “There’s a lot of people in Provo, Utah, that have really struggled with not having the rivalry be competitive. if anything, this says it is indeed going to be competitive.”
terrell Lyday, who added 16 points, summed up the relief felt by BYU fans: “When I go back to school, I don’t have to listen to everybody on my back saying you can’t beat Utah.” Utah star Alex Jensen,who had previously questioned BYU’s resurgence,acknowledged the Cougars’ determination: “They were playing like they haven’t beaten their in-state rival for five years.”
Jan.25, 2003: Utah 79, BYU 75
In a nail-biter at the Marriott Center, Utah snapped BYU’s 44-game home winning streak. Marc Jackson, a Salt lake City native, made four clutch free throws in the final 15 seconds, finishing with 17 points and a perfect 13-of-13 from the free-throw line.Despite the absence of legendary coach Rick Majerus, who was attending a funeral, Utah’s Nick Jacobson and Britton Johnsen stepped up with double-digit scoring performances.
BYU’s Travis Hansen put up a valiant effort with 21 points and 12 rebounds,while Rafael Araujo added 19 points and nine boards. The win gave Utah a narrow 117-116 lead in the all-time series at the time.
Jan. 27, 2009: Utah 94, BYU 88 (OT)
after losing four straight games to BYU, Utah finally got revenge in 2009. Luke Nevill led the charge with a career-high 32 points, propelling the Utes to an overtime victory at the Huntsman Center. Utah attempted a staggering 40 free throws, making 31, while BYU managed just 22 attempts, converting 13.Despite the win, Utah’s triumph was short-lived, as BYU went on to win the next seven games in the series.
Jan. 11, 2011: BYU 104, Utah 79
This game is etched in the memories of BYU fans, not just for the 25-point blowout but for Jimmer Fredette’s legendary performance. Fredette, en route to becoming the consensus National Player of the year, dropped 47 points, the second-highest single-game scoring performance in BYU history at the time. His highlight-reel moment came with a near-half-court shot to beat the halftime buzzer.Fredette was nearly flawless, going 6-of-9 from three-point range and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line. Reflecting on his performance,he said,“When you are feeling it,you are feeling it.”
Dec. 2, 2015: utah 83, BYU 75
Utah dominated the first half, building a 51-28 lead, but BYU’s Chase Fischer sparked a late rally with 26 second-half points. However, the game is best remembered for an incident with 90 seconds remaining. BYU guard Nick Emery sucker-punched utah’s Brandon Taylor, leading to his ejection.
The altercation prompted Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak to cancel the 2016 meeting in Provo, buying out the game for $80,000. This decision earned him the nickname “Coach 80K” among BYU fans.
Dec. 8, 2018: BYU 74, Utah 59
BYU completed a season sweep of Utah in dominant fashion, led by Russell Larson’s 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting. The Cougars shot an extraordinary 73.9% from the field in the first half, prompting Utah coach Rick Majerus to quip that his team “looked like the ski team.”
Key Moments in the BYU-Utah Rivalry
| Date | Result | Key Performers | Highlight |
|—————–|———————|—————————————-|——————————————————————————-|
| March 10, 2000 | BYU 58, Utah 54 | Eric Nielsen (17 pts, 11 reb) | BYU snaps Utah’s 12-game winning streak. |
| Jan. 25, 2003 | Utah 79, BYU 75 | Marc Jackson (17 pts, 13/13 FT) | Utah ends BYU’s 44-game home winning streak. |
| Jan. 27, 2009 | Utah 94, BYU 88 (OT)| Luke Nevill (32 pts) | Utah wins in OT after four straight losses to BYU. |
| Jan. 11, 2011 | BYU 104, Utah 79 | Jimmer Fredette (47 pts) | Fredette’s near-half-court buzzer-beater and dominant performance. |
| Dec. 2, 2015 | Utah 83, BYU 75 | chase Fischer (26 pts, 2nd half) | Nick emery’s sucker punch leads to game cancellation.|
| Dec. 8, 2018 | BYU 74, Utah 59 | Russell Larson (28 pts) | BYU completes season sweep with a dominant first-half performance. |
Why This Rivalry Matters
The BYU-Utah rivalry transcends basketball. It’s a clash of cultures, institutions, and pride. Each game adds a new chapter to a legacy filled with passion, drama, and unforgettable moments. Weather it’s Jimmer Fredette’s heroics, Marc Jackson’s clutch free throws, or the heated exchanges that define the intensity, this rivalry continues to captivate fans and shape the history of college basketball.
what’s your favorite moment from the BYU-Utah rivalry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
BYU vs. Utah Basketball Rivalry: A Tale of Thrilling Moments and Unforgettable Performances
The storied basketball rivalry between BYU and Utah has produced countless memorable moments, but few stand out like the performances of Yoeli Childs and Timmy Allen in recent matchups. From jaw-dropping dunks to nail-biting comebacks, these games have solidified the rivalry as one of the most exciting in college basketball.
Yoeli Childs’ Dominance in the Beehive Classic
In a Beehive Classic game at Vivint Arena in Salt lake City, BYU forward Yoeli Childs delivered a performance for the ages. the Cougars secured an easy matinee win, thanks to Childs’ 31 points and 11 rebounds. But it was his thunderous dunk over two Utah defenders—novak Topalovic and Both Gach—that stole the show.
Childs, who grew up cheering for the Utes but didn’t receive a scholarship offer from then-coach Larry Krystkowiak, made his mark in spectacular fashion. “A dunk kind of gets your teammates pumped up and gets the crowd into it,” Childs said after the game. And that it did. The play not only energized his team but also left fans buzzing about his athleticism and determination.
Utah’s Overtime Thriller
Just a few years later, on December 4, 2019, the rivalry delivered another classic. Utah overcame a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat BYU 102-95 in overtime.Sophomore Timmy Allen led the charge with a career-high 27 points, while freshman Rylan Jones added 25 points of his own.
The Utes’ comeback spoiled another stellar performance from Childs, who had just returned from an NCAA-mandated nine-game suspension. He tallied 29 points and seven rebounds before suffering a hamstring injury midway through the second half. His absence in the final nine minutes of regulation proved costly for BYU. Utah capitalized on their opportunities,outscoring the Cougars 31-17 at the free-throw line to secure the victory.
A Rivalry Steeped in History
The BYU-Utah basketball rivalry is one of the longest-running in NCAA Division I men’s basketball, ranking 14th in history. With Utah set to join the Big 12 Conference in 2024, the rivalry will take on new significance as both teams compete in the same conference for the first time in over a decade. The Big 12 has already prioritized the matchup,scheduling it as a two-game regular-season series to honor its rich history [[2]].
Key Moments in the BYU-Utah Rivalry
| date | Highlight | Outcome |
|——————-|——————————————————————————-|—————————|
| Beehive Classic | Yoeli Childs’ 31 points, 11 rebounds, and iconic dunk over two Utah defenders | BYU Win |
| Dec. 4, 2019 | Utah’s 16-point comeback, Timmy allen’s 27 points, Rylan Jones’ 25 points | Utah Win (102-95 in OT) |
Looking Ahead
As the rivalry enters a new era in the Big 12, fans can expect even more thrilling matchups. The intensity of the BYU-Utah games, combined with the high stakes of conference play, promises to deliver unforgettable moments for years to come.
whether it’s a highlight-reel dunk or a dramatic overtime victory, the BYU-Utah basketball rivalry continues to captivate fans and cement its place in college basketball history. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this storied competition.
87-65 victory over Utah, with Childs leading the charge. He scored 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists, showcasing his versatility and dominance on both ends of the floor. His performance was a reminder of why he was one of the most feared players in the rivalry during his time at BYU.
Timmy Allen’s Heroics in the 2019 Matchup
On the other side, Utah’s Timmy Allen had his own standout moment in the 2019 matchup. Allen scored 27 points,including a crucial stretch in the second half where he single-handedly kept Utah in the game. despite his efforts,BYU ultimately prevailed,but Allen’s performance was a testament to his skill and determination. His ability to take over games made him a key figure in the rivalry during his tenure with the Utes.
Key Moments in Recent Years
| Date | Result | Key Performers | Highlight |
|—————–|———————|—————————————-|——————————————————————————-|
| Dec. 8, 2018 | BYU 74, Utah 59 | Yoeli Childs (31 pts, 12 reb) | Childs dominates in a blowout win at Vivint Arena. |
| Dec. 4, 2019 | BYU 102, Utah 95 (OT)| TJ Haws (27 pts), Timmy Allen (27 pts) | A high-scoring overtime thriller with both teams showcasing offensive firepower.|
| Dec. 12, 2020 | BYU 82, Utah 64 | Alex barcello (20 pts) | BYU cruises to a comfortable win behind Barcello’s leadership. |
Why This Rivalry Continues to Thrive
The BYU-Utah rivalry remains one of the most intense and passionate in college basketball. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the pride, the history, and the bragging rights that come with each victory. Whether it’s a blowout or a nail-biter, every matchup adds to the rich tapestry of this storied rivalry.
What’s Your favorite Moment?
From Jimmer Fredette’s 47-point explosion to Yoeli Childs’ dominant double-double, the BYU-Utah rivalry has given fans countless moments to cherish. What’s your favorite moment from this historic rivalry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
