Runnin' Utes Fall in the Quarterfinals to Colorado

After an impressive win against ASU, the Utes fall to Colorado in the Quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament.

After a blowout win against Arizona State, the Utes faced a tough challenge in #3 Colorado for a chance to reach the semi-finals of the Pac-12 Tournament.

Splitting the regular season series with the Buffaloes, Utah knew that if they wanted to move forward it wouldn't be a cakewalk, and it wasn't as Colorado bested the Utes 72-58.

Colorado stampedes into the semifinals! 🦬 pic.twitter.com/l6Q720hQtC

— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) March 15, 2024

Branden Carlson led the Utes in scoring, going 5/8 from the field and 3/3 from the line for 13 points, and he also was the top rebounder, grabbing 6 boards. Deivon Smith led the team in assists, dishing out 5 dimes in 28 minutes of play. 

KJ Simpson led the Buffs in scoring with 18 points, going 7/16 from the field, and he also racked up the most dimes, dishing out 6 assists in 39 minutes of play. Eddie Lampkin Jr. led the team in rebounds, grabbing 12 boards, 7 of them on the defensive end. 

It's a bittersweet ending to a rollercoaster season for the Runnin' Utes, especially after the momentum gained from the win over the Sun Devils. Utah only shot 32.8% from the field and 26.7% from range while Colorado went 44.4% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. It's now a waiting game to see if Utah sneaks into March Madness but with this loss, their chances have been considerably slashed.