SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Utes are heading back to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year, earning an 8-seed in the bracket. Their first-round matchup will be against 9-seed Indiana on Friday, March 21, in Columbia, S.C., with tipoff set for 11:30 a.m. MT. The top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks, who are hosting the regional, will take on 16-seed Tennessee Tech.
This marks the 21st NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and the first under head coach Gavin Petersen. It is also Utah’s second time making four straight tournament trips, a feat last accomplished from 1995 to 1998. The Utes have been an 8-seed four times, most recently in 2008.
A Tournament History of Success
Last season, Utah entered the tournament as a 2-seed, the highest in program history, and made a deep run to the Sweet 16. The program has advanced to that stage three times in its history. Before 2023, the Utes’ previous highest seeding was a 5-seed, which they earned in multiple seasons, including 1983, 1997, 2001, 2006, and again in 2024.
The Utes secured their tournament berth after finishing with a 22-8 overall record and earning their fourth consecutive 20-win season. They also wrapped up the regular season receiving votes in the AP Top 25 Poll and ranked No. 26 in the NCAA’s NET rankings, having spent the entire season in the top 25.
A First-Time Matchup Against Indiana
Utah’s opening-round opponent, Indiana, enters the tournament with a 19-12 record after finishing 11th in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers earned a victory over Oregon in the Big Ten Tournament before being eliminated by USC. This will be the first-ever meeting between Utah and Indiana.
Head coach Gavin Petersen expects a high-energy game, noting the similarities between the two teams. “Indiana plays an up-tempo game like we do,” Petersen said. “We’re looking forward to pushing the pace, taking our shots, and showing the hustle that defines Utah basketball. Our senior leadership will be a major advantage as we head into the tournament.”
The Utes will aim to make another deep run in March Madness, hoping to build on last season’s success as they take the court in Columbia.
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