The Utes couldn’t maintain an early lead and fell behind by double digits in the second half before rallying to tie the game late, but they were out-executed in the final seconds as UCF beat them 76-72 at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando.

The Utah men’s basketball team put up a valiant effort against UCF but fell just short in a heartbreaking 76-72 loss on Sunday evening at Addition Financial Field. Despite a strong start and multiple lead changes throughout the game,

The Utes were one week removed from beating Kansas and Kansas State. They were a tick under .500 in Big 12 play, and they had a manageable stretch upcoming — so manageable that it was easy to envision the Utes, who were picked dead last in the Big 12’s preseason media poll, finishing as high as sixth or seventh place.

The Runnin' Utes fell 83-66 to the Wildcats. Afterward, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd shared a message of support.

The first Utah basketball game of the post-Craig Smith era was a blowout, as the Runnin’ Utes were overwhelmed by No. 22 Arizona 83-66 Wednesday at the McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona. With interim head coach Josh Eilert leading Utah,