Here’s a bold statement: the No. 11 BYU Cougars are on the brink of a perfect Big 12 start, but standing in their way is a formidable Texas Tech team that could derail their momentum. And this is the part most people miss—BYU’s recent win over TCU wasn’t just a victory; it was a masterclass in resilience and adaptability, proving they can win even when their shots aren’t falling. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it BYU’s offensive brilliance or TCU’s defensive lapses that sealed the deal? Let’s dive in.
Sports journalist Jay, a Utah veteran with over 30 years of experience and a Deseret News writer since 2019, observed BYU’s 76-70 win over TCU on Wednesday night at the Marriott Center. At first glance, the Cougars’ season-low 35.3% field goal percentage and 20.8% three-point shooting might suggest an offensive slump. However, head coach Kevin Young argues the opposite. He credits TCU’s relentless defense and acknowledges that his players simply missed shots rather than making poor decisions. Here’s the kicker: Young believes this was BYU’s best offensive execution of the season, a claim that might raise eyebrows among critics.
BYU’s next challenge is a Saturday showdown against No. 15 Texas Tech (13-4, 3-1) at the United Supermarkets Arena, airing live on ESPN at 6 p.m. MST. This game could be a turning point in their season, as the Cougars aim to maintain their 16-1 record and 4-0 conference start.
One standout moment from the TCU game was Richie Saunders’ clutch three-pointer with 2:14 remaining, extending BYU’s lead to 70-63. Saunders, who had missed his first five three-point attempts, exemplified the team’s persistence. Young praised this as a testament to their ability to stay the course under pressure. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Is BYU’s success sustainable if they rely on individual heroics rather than consistent team performance?
Against TCU’s aggressive defense, the Cougars minimized turnovers, with point guard Rob Wright delivering a standout performance—15 points, six assists, and only two turnovers in 39 minutes. Young highlighted this as a result of focused preparation, but some might argue that TCU’s defense wasn’t as formidable as expected. What do you think?
The rebounding battle was decisive, with BYU securing 21 offensive rebounds and 24 second-chance points. Even without backup center Bido Ahmed, the Cougars dominated the glass, out-rebounding TCU 51-36. TCU coach Jamie Dixon pointed out the free-throw disparity—BYU had 29 attempts to TCU’s 18—but is this a sign of BYU’s aggression or favorable officiating? Let’s hear your take in the comments.
Saunders revealed that halftime adjustments focused on attacking the rim and crashing the boards harder. A clip of Keba Keita’s hustle play inspired the team, but is this enough to replicate success against tougher opponents like Texas Tech? And this is the part most people miss: BYU’s ability to win in multiple ways—slow or fast, inside or out—sets them apart. Young’s pride in their versatility is evident, but can they maintain this against a higher caliber of competition?
BYU’s 13-game winning streak and 12 consecutive Big 12 wins are impressive, but their schedule only gets tougher. Young’s 92% home win rate at the Marriott Center surpasses predecessors Dave Rose and Mark Pope, but against stronger competition. Here’s the real question: Can BYU sustain this momentum, or will their luck run out against Texas Tech?
As Saunders said, ‘We know we’re a good team, but we have to stick together and find a way.’ But here’s the controversial part: Is BYU truly a championship contender, or are they benefiting from a weaker early schedule? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a debate!
