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BYU vs. Utah basketball rivalry to resume in 2017

Posted at 3:12 PM, May 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-26 23:40:59-04

SALT LAKE CITY -- Several months after University of Utah Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak announced the Utes would not play BYU in basketball in 2016, the U of U has announced the rivalry match-up is on the schedule for 2017.

“(BYU athletics director) Tom Holmoe and I have agreed to a game in Provo in November or December of 2017,” U of U Athletics Director Chris Hill stated in a press release. “We are in the process of formulating plans for the future with BYU. We are also looking at future match-ups with other in-state schools.”

Krystkowiak said he cancelled the 2016 rivalry game due to concerns about player safety, a move that cost him the $80,000 buyout included in the contract. BYU's Nick Emery was ejected from the last game between the two schools after Emery punched Utah's Brandon Taylor.

"It's become pretty toxic and venomous," Krystkowiak told FOX 13 News back in January.

The press release also stated Utah has scheduled two primetime opponents for the upcoming season. Utah will play Butler on November 28 in Salt Lake City and Xavier in Cincinnati on December 10.

“Adding both Butler and Xavier to our 2016-17 schedule gives us an opportunity to play some elite programs in non-conference play,” Krystkowiak stated. “Both Butler and Xavier were NCAA Tournament teams last season and they will give us a great test before starting Pac-12 play a few weeks later in the season.

Krystkowiak added: "In addition, the home contest against Butler will be one of our two cancer awareness games next season. We will partner with both the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Butler in support of this cause.”

The release states that both teams are part of a home-and-home exchange. After hosting Butler this season, Utah will travel to Indianapolis to face the Bulldogs next season. Utah will host Xavier in Utah in 2017 after making the trip to Cincinnati this coming season.