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.

The mud flows downhill. And so does the money. Utah athletics now has muddled through handing over nearly $7 million in leftover cash to former coach Larry Krystkowiak and now more than $4 million to the freshly-fired Smith, plus all the additional perks, on account of the fact that Smith had two-plus years remaining on his deal.

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

Everything you need to know and LIVE updates as Kansas takes their first Big 12 conference road trip ever into the Beehive State.

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.

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).

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

The Utah Utes (15-11, 7-8 Big 12) are looking to end a four-game road losing streak when they visit the UCF Knights (13-13, 4-11 Big 12) on Sunday, February 23

The Jayhawks obviously hope to return to Lawrence on a three-game win streak. After beating Colorado at Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday, their next obstacle is beating the Utes on their home turf in Utah. The key for the Jayhawks will be forcing the Utes to turn over the ball. Utah’s prone to security issues in that regard.

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.