BYU vs. Houston Preview: Kevin Young’s Squad Faces a Major Challenge in Houston
BYU basketball is gearing up for a daunting challenge this Saturday.
It’s a “Cougs vs. Coogs” showdown as BYU travels for their second conference game of the season against Houston at the Fertitta Center. Both teams come into this matchup after strong conference-opening wins—BYU handled Arizona State with ease, while Houston triumphed over Oklahoma State.
This game presents BYU’s toughest test yet, as Houston has dominated early in the season. BYU has recovered well since an ugly loss to Providence, showcasing an impressive bounce-back performance against Arizona State.
Saunders and Demin Must Shine for BYU
Against the Sun Devils, Richie Saunders led BYU with a career-high 30 points. Known for his defense and hustle, Saunders has shown he can score effectively, with five games over 15 points this season. Houston’s tough perimeter defense will require him to mix his attacks, hitting early threes and then driving to the basket as defenses adjust.
Freshman sensation Egor Demin will also be a key factor. After a standout start to the season, he struggled during the Providence loss and returned quietly against Arizona State, scoring just four points. Facing Houston’s defense will be a new challenge for Demin, but his unique skill set could equally surprise Houston. He’ll need a big performance for BYU to have any chance of an upset.
BYU’s frontcourt will also play a pivotal role. Houston ranks ninth nationally in limiting points in the paint, forcing opponents to rely on contested three-pointers. Kevin Young must get production from Keita or Traore to keep BYU competitive inside.
Houston’s aggressive ball screen defense could pose additional challenges. They often blitz the ball handler, forcing turnovers and creating transition opportunities. Demin and Dallin Hall must take extra care to avoid turnovers and fast-break points for Houston.
Houston’s Balanced Offense and Defensive Prowess
Offensively, Houston remains a powerhouse. LJ Cryer, now in his fifth year, is a dangerous shooter who can’t be left open. Emanuel Sharp has been equally impactful, scoring double digits in all but two games this year while shooting an impressive 47% from three. Houston leads the Big 12 in three-point percentage at 40.6%, a stark improvement over last year’s colder shooting stretches.
Houston’s experience is evident in their low turnover rate—less than 10 per game—and their top-30 ranking in turnovers per possession. Both teams excel at rebounding, making the battle on the boards a crucial factor in the game.
This matchup may be BYU’s toughest of the season. Houston holds the nation’s longest home win streak, with 29 consecutive victories at the Fertitta Center.
Still, the game offers BYU a significant opportunity. Currently on the NCAA tournament bubble, a road win over Houston would be a massive resume booster in March. For BYU to succeed, they must find ways to score, hit early threes, and have standout performances from Demin and Hall. Coupled with strong rebounding, this formula could give BYU its best chance to end Houston’s dominant home streak.