BYU Basketball Earns Another Important Win with Road Victory Over UCF
The Cougars are gaining momentum.
BYU basketball claimed another road win with a convincing victory over UCF in Orlando. This marks the Cougars’ first four-game conference win streak in four years, including their struggles during the WCC Dark Ages (thanks for the stat, Robby). With two straight quad-one victories, BYU is finally putting together a solid NCAA Tournament resume.
BYU vs UCF Game Score and Recap
Kevin Young guided his team into Orlando with the aim to extend the Cougars’ winning streak, despite UCF’s home court being known for intense, defensive battles. BYU didn’t back down in a competitive game, shooting 43% from beyond the arc and putting up 81 points— the highest total for a visiting team since Kansas’ 99-48 win on January 5th.
Richie Saunders led the offense with a team-high 22 points, shooting 8/14, including 6 three-pointers. Knell and Mag also contributed with 7 combined three-pointers.
Egor Demin had a tough outing, hitting just one of his three attempts from deep, finishing with 3 points. While his 6 assists were a highlight, his 5 turnovers slightly detracted from his overall performance. Despite his playmaking skills, Demin will need to handle pressure better in upcoming games.
That 3-pointer from Demin came at a crucial time, so he deserves credit for it.
Kanon Catchings, after a standout game against Baylor, struggled offensively, failing to score in this one.
UCF kept fighting throughout the game, and although BYU held a lead for most of the second half, the Knights were never more than two possessions behind, keeping the score close.
One issue for BYU was their free-throw shooting, which continued to be subpar. Their 57.9% shooting from the line allowed UCF to stay in the game, which could be problematic for the Cougars in tight postseason matchups.
Mawot Mag had an outstanding game, posting a career-high 5 assists to go along with 3 three-pointers. Known for his defense, Mag is proving to be valuable as the season progresses.
Keba Keita, whom I’ve previously criticized, showed his importance on defense by swatting away two crucial shots in the final 20 seconds, denying UCF any chance of a late-game comeback. These huge blocks showcased Keita’s value to the team.
Though the game wasn’t easy—nothing ever is in the Big 12—the Cougars are heading home with another win, and that’s certainly a good feeling.