BYU Upsets Baylor in Big 12 Showdown, Secures Crucial Home Victory
In a thrilling Big 12 conference basketball game on Tuesday night, Brigham Young University (BYU) pulled off a stunning upset against Baylor, securing a crucial home victory. The Marriott Center was packed with 17,978 fans who witnessed the No. 25 Cougars defeat the No. 11 Bears with a final score of 78-71. This win avenged BYU’s previous loss of 81-72 to Baylor in Waco, Texas, last month.
The Cougars showcased their shooting prowess by sinking an impressive 14 three-pointers throughout the game. Jaxson Robinson led the team with 16 points, contributing significantly to their victory. BYU’s overall record now stands at 19-7, with a conference record of 7-6. This win also marked their fourth consecutive home victory, solidifying their position in the Big 12.
One of the key factors that propelled BYU to victory was their dominance in second-chance points. The Cougars capitalized on their offensive rebounds, converting them into 20 valuable second-chance points. In contrast, Baylor struggled to convert their offensive rebounds into points and only managed to score four second-chance points. Aly Khalifa, BYU’s big man, played a crucial role by scoring 14 points, including four three-pointers. He also contributed seven rebounds and seven assists, highlighting his versatility and impact on the game. The Cougars out-rebounded the Bears with a final tally of 39-30.
The game took an interesting turn when Miro Little drew a flagrant 1 foul on Richie Saunders. While it appeared that Little may have exaggerated the contact, the officials deemed it a foul. Little capitalized on this opportunity by sinking a couple of free throws, giving Baylor a 27-21 lead with seven minutes remaining in the first half. However, this call seemed to ignite the Cougars’ fighting spirit. They responded with an 8-0 run, taking their first lead of the game at 29-27 with 5:33 left in the half. BYU’s dominance in second-chance points played a significant role in their comeback, outscoring Baylor 13-0 in that category during the first half. The Cougars headed into halftime with a 42-37 lead.
Jalen Bridges, who had a remarkable performance in Baylor’s previous win against BYU, was left unguarded for a three-pointer just 20 seconds into the game. This shot gave the visitors an early 18-10 lead and seemed to indicate that Baylor would dominate the game. However, the Bears’ hot shooting streak cooled down after their initial burst. They finished the first half shooting 54% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, making only five of their 20 attempts.
Despite Bridges’ impressive performance of 25 points, including 17 in the second half, Baylor’s struggles from the three-point range hindered their ability to secure a victory. They made just five of their 20 attempts, ultimately contributing to their downfall.
This victory for BYU not only avenged their previous loss to Baylor but also showcased their resilience and determination. The Cougars’ ability to capitalize on second-chance points and their impressive three-point shooting played a crucial role in securing this crucial home victory. As they continue their Big 12 campaign, BYU’s win against Baylor will undoubtedly boost their confidence and solidify their position in the conference standings.
