Runnin' Utes Ranked as Ninth-Seed in Latest On3 Bracketology

Despite late-January struggles, the Runnin' Utes still have a spot in the NCAA's march tournament, according to On3

On3’s latest Bracketology has the Utah Runnin’ Utes as a ninth-seed in the NCAA Tournament.  

Ranked as the East region’s ninth-seed according to On3’s latest prediction, the Runnin' Utes (14-7) would face an eighth-seed Florida team (15-6) that has won their last four games in a row. 

The Utah men's team had a rough go to end the month of January, dropping both of their Washington road trip games. 

In Utah’s first game of the road trip, the Washington State Cougars came out on top by a score of 79-57. The Runnin' Utes 22-point loss to the Cougars was then followed by a defeat at the hands of the Washington Huskies, 98-73. 

Up to this point in the season, Utah has a record of 1-5 in games on the road. Even more disappointing is the team's nine-straight league losses on the road dating back to last season. 

Although currently held up by their 11-0 record at home, Utah needs to figure out their road struggles if they want to make the NCAA’s March Madness tournament. 

Despite floundering in games on the road, the Runnin’ Utes currently sit at No. 35 in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Net Ranking. The team’s ranking is ahead of usual basketball blue bloods such as Indiana, UCLA, and Virginia. 

The Runnin’ Utes open a three-game homestand to begin February. The team’s first game of which comes against Colorado, who hold a record eerily similar to the Utes. The Buffaloes (15-6) are also 1-5 in games on the road and hold an undefeated record at home (12-0). Based on such information, the Utes seem to have the benefit as the game will be played at Utah’s Huntsman Center. 

After their Feb. 3rd contest against Colorado, Utah will see the No. 11 ranked Arizona Wildcats (16-5) on Feb. 8th. 

The Runnin’ Utes' final game of the homestand will be against the Arizona State Sun Devils (11-10) on Feb. 10th. Utah has lost to both Arizona and Arizona St. on the road this season.