Runnin' Utes are Participating in the 2024 National Invitation Tournament

Despite missing out on March Madness, the Utes have another lease on life as they are participating in the 2024 National Invitation Tournament.

The Runnin' Utes have postseason basketball in front of them after missing out on March Madness as they are bound for the NIT. 

We're hosting the NIT! Come cheer on your Runnin' Utes at home this Tuesday, March 19‼️ Ticket info to follow.

🆚 @UCImbb
📍 @HuntsmanCenter
🕰️ 9pm (MDT)
📺 #ESPN2
📻 @ESPN700
🎟️ https://t.co/KMrpmgEBoa#GoUtes | #NITMBB pic.twitter.com/V3WxGwgf02

— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) March 18, 2024

Utah comes into the tournament as the #2 seed and will face UC Irvine in the first round of the tournament at home on March 19th. Villanova, VCU, UCF, South Florida, Iowa, and Kansas State occupy the rest of the Utes bracket section and if the Utes move on to the second round, they will face either the Hawkeyes or the Wildcats. 

The Anteaters come into the tournament with a 24-9 record on the year, finishing at the top of the Big West standings, but losing to Long Beach State in the conference tournament semifinals. 

The Runnin' Utes come into the NIT with a 19-14 record, finishing 6th in the Pac-12, and losing to Colorado in the Pac-12 tournament quarterfinals. 

Kicking off the NIT at the Huntsman is a massive advantage for Utah, and if they want to take full advantage of the atmosphere, All-Pac-12 recipients Deivon Smith and Branden Carlson will have to be on their A-game as they have been throughout the whole season.