In a thrilling basketball showdown, the No. 11 BYU Cougars faced a significant hurdle in their pursuit of an unblemished Big 12 start, as Texas Tech stands in their way. But here's the twist: despite what some might perceive as a dip in offensive performance, the Cougars' victory over TCU revealed a deeper resilience and adaptability.
Veteran sports journalist Jay, who has been covering Utah sports for over three decades and writing for the Deseret News since 2019, offers a unique perspective. While some may have seen the Cougars' 76-70 win over TCU as a step back, head coach Kevin Young saw it differently. He attributed the team's lower shooting percentages to TCU's defensive prowess and the Frogs' relentless tenacity, rather than any shortcomings in shot selection.
Young praised his team's execution, especially in the second half, where they scored an impressive 46 points. He highlighted senior Richie Saunders' crucial 3-pointer, which came after missing his first five attempts, as a testament to the team's perseverance. The Cougars also demonstrated their ability to handle pressure, committing only nine turnovers against TCU's aggressive defense, with point guard Rob Wright shining with six assists and 15 points.
The game's turning point came in the battle for rebounds. Despite being without backup center Bido Ahmed, the Cougars dominated the boards, securing 21 offensive rebounds and 24 second-chance points. This effort was crucial, as TCU coach Jamie Dixon noted the free-throw disparity, with BYU getting more opportunities from the line in the second half.
The Cougars' adaptability was further emphasized by Young, who takes pride in his team's versatility. They can play at different paces, inside or out, and even feature the talents of AJ Dybantsa in isolation. This versatility was on full display against TCU, as the Cougars secured their fourth straight conference win, a feat they last achieved in the 2012-13 WCC season.
Former BYU player TJ Haws summed it up perfectly on Twitter: 'The more I think about it, the more impressive last night's win over TCU was. Guys are sick/out. Foul trouble. Inconsistent officiating. And yet, they found a way to win. Good teams win in multiple different ways. Last night was huge.'
Young echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the team's success wasn't a fluke. He believes the Cougars can win in various ways, and this confidence is crucial as they face an increasingly challenging schedule. With a remarkable 13-game winning streak and a 92% win rate at the Marriott Center, the Cougars are ahead of schedule and ready to take on tougher opponents.
The comparison to former coaches Dave Rose and Mark Pope further highlights Young's success. With a higher win percentage at home against stronger competition, Young's Cougars are proving their mettle. As Saunders said, 'We know that we're a good team and we have to stick together and find a way.'
But here's where it gets controversial: is BYU's success a result of their adaptability, or are they simply benefiting from a favorable schedule? Can they maintain this momentum against tougher opponents? The upcoming games will be a true test of their resilience and skill. What do you think? Is BYU's perfect start a sign of a championship-caliber team, or is it too early to tell?
