Utah became the first team to play in both the NIT and NCAA tournament in the same season. Utah was given a second chance to play in the NCAA Tournament after a March 1944 automobile accident killed a coaching aide and seriously injured two players on the Arkansas team.
Utah became the first team to participate in both the NIT and NCAA tournament in the same season. Utah was granted a second opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament after a March 1944 automobile accident resulted in the death of a coaching assistant and serious injuries to two players on the Arkansas team.