The excitement is building as the No. 23 BYU Cougars are set to face the Utah Utes in a much-anticipated basketball rematch on Saturday, January 18, 2025. This exciting showdown will take place at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, where the Cougars will have home court advantage. With the game broadcasting on ESPNU and airing on local radio stations like 107.9 FM and 700 AM, fans can expect this to be a thrilling event.
What Makes This Game Special?
This isn’t just any ordinary matchup; it marks the first time in over a decade that BYU and Utah will meet twice in the same season. Back in December, the Utes narrowly defeated the Cougars 73-72 in a thrilling overtime game, leaving BYU hungry for redemption.
BYU Riding High on Winning Streak
The Cougars are coming into this game riding a remarkable seven-game winning streak, which has included victories against tough ranked opponents. Their confidence is sky-high, and they feel prepared to defend their home turf against their rivals. With both teams gearing up for the upcoming Big 12 tournament, every game counts even more.
New Beginnings for the Utes
On the other hand, the Utah Utes have recently made a significant change in their coaching staff, appointing Alex Jensen as the new head coach to replace Craig Smith. Coach Jensen aims to push the team to new heights, focusing on rest and recovery as they prepare for this decisive game.
Key Players to Watch
The rivalry has players with stories of their own. Lawson Lovering, a promising player for Utah who has never lost to BYU, is looking forward to the game, feeling the adrenaline and excitement that comes with such fierce competition. Additionally, Hunter Erickson, a Utah player and former BYU participant, is eager for what he believes will be an electric atmosphere in the arena.
Broadcasting the Action
For fans who can’t make it to the Marriott Center, the game will be widely accessible through television and radio. Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your couch or listening to the exciting play-by-play on the radio, this game promises to engage basketball fans across the region.
Past Matchup Highlights
Reflecting on their recent meeting, both teams exhibited strengths and weaknesses that will be analyzed leading up to this rematch. BYU’s experience and commanding performance brought them to this pivotal point, while Utah looks to answer back after their last loss with a strong showing against their rivals.
Impact on Upcoming Tournaments
This game will not only determine bragging rights but will also have significant implications for the seeding in the Big 12 tournament. BYU, currently riding high on momentum, is heavily favored to win this matchup, while Utah needs a victory to enhance their standing.
Game Details
| Date | Time | Location | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 18, 2025 | 8:00 PM MST | Marriott Center, Provo, Utah | ESPNU, 107.9 FM, 700 AM |
As the game approaches, fans on both sides are buzzing with excitement. Will BYU extend their winning streak, or can Utah upset the odds and create some magic of their own? One thing’s for sure: this rivalry game packs a lot of intrigue.
