BYU's downward spiral continues, suffering a crushing 90-68 defeat at Cincinnati.
BYU's sports coverage has been a staple at the Deseret News since 2023, and the recent performance of the Cougars has been a cause for concern. The team's recent form has seen them lose three consecutive games, with the latest setback coming against the Bearcats, a team on the cusp of NCAA tournament qualification.
The statistics paint a bleak picture for BYU. With a record of 20-10 for the season and 8-9 in the Big 12, the Cougars have lost nine of their last 13 games. This slump has seen them drop to either the 9th or 10th spot in the conference, a far cry from their preseason ranking of second.
Here are three key takeaways from this latest loss:
Offensive Woes: BYU's offense was simply outclassed by Cincinnati's defense. The Cougars managed a mere 41% shooting from the field and a paltry 29% from beyond the arc. AJ Dybantsa and Rob Wright III, who combined for 44 of BYU's 68 points, struggled with their shot selection and turnover management, converting just over 40% of their attempts and committing a total of nine turnovers.
Defensive Struggles: BYU's defense was once again exposed, allowing Cincinnati to score at will. The Bearcats, who average just over 73 points per game, put up an impressive 90 points against the Cougars. All five Bearcat starters reached double digits, showcasing their offensive prowess and efficiency.
Rebounding and Transition Struggles: BYU lost the battle of the boards and failed to capitalize on transition opportunities. They missed 11 layups and managed only two points in transition, highlighting their inability to convert easy scoring chances.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite these struggles, BYU is still considered a lock for the NCAA Tournament. However, their seeding could take a significant hit, and with a challenging final regular-season game against Texas Tech, the Cougars' fate remains uncertain.
And this is the part most people miss... BYU's upcoming game in the Big 12 tournament, their first-ever first-round game, could be a make-or-break moment. A loss to either Kansas State or Utah would be a devastating blow to their confidence and momentum.
So, what do you think? Is BYU's season salvageable, or has the team's collapse been inevitable? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
