What a night for the BYU Cougars! The No. 25 ranked team delivered a stunning performance, securing a 78-71 victory over the No. 11 Baylor Bears right in their home court at the Marriott Center. This game was nothing short of exhilarating, and it’s time we dive into the details of BYU’s best win in league play.
Aly Khalifa, the “Egyptian Magician”, was the undeniable MVP for BYU basketball. His three-point shooting was nothing short of essential, leading the Cougars with 14 points and hitting four of his six attempts from deep. Khalifa also led the team in assists with seven, all while committing no turnovers. Talk about a big bounce-back performance!
The Cougars’ strategy was clear: they needed to nail those perimeter shots, and boy, did they deliver. With Noah Waterman and Khalifa hitting outside shots, BYU’s offense became a force to be reckoned with. This was evident as they outscored Baylor by a whopping 27 points from the three-point line. The Cougars attempted 36 shots from beyond the arc, showcasing their coach Mark Pope’s philosophy that more is better when it comes to three-point attempts.
But it wasn’t just the offense that shone. The BYU defense stepped up after Baylor started hot from the three-point line, limiting them to only two more long ball shots after their initial success. This defensive prowess was a critical factor in the Cougars’ win.
Let’s talk about the play of the game. With less than four minutes on the clock, BYU’s Trevin Knell hit a crucial three-pointer that not only pushed the lead back up to seven points but also swung the momentum massively in favor of the Cougars. It was a moment that could have seen the game slip away, but instead, it solidified BYU’s hold on the victory.
The game was clinched in the final two minutes when Jaxson Robinson drilled a three-point shot, pushing BYU’s lead to eight points and sending the Marriott Center into a frenzy. It was a signature win for a team that’s gunning for a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Jaxson Robinson also deserves a shoutout for his impressive 16 points, while Trevin Knell added 13 for the Cougars. This victory marked their third home win over a Top 25 opponent this season, a testament to their grit and determination.
Baylor’s coach Scott Drew acknowledged his team’s unexpected performance, especially on the glass, where BYU dominated with 20 second chance points to Baylor’s four. The Bears’ inability to maintain their perimeter scoring after a hot start put them in a tough spot, and BYU’s aggressive offensive rebounding was a key factor in overcoming their slow start.
As we look ahead, Baylor will be hosting Houston, while BYU visits Kansas State. Both teams will be looking to bounce back and push forward in what’s shaping up to be an exciting season.
For the Cougars, this win is more than just a notch in the victory column; it’s a statement that they can take on and triumph over the best in the country. With their sights set on the NCAA tournament, BYU’s performance against Baylor is a beacon of hope and a demonstration of what this team is truly capable of.
This game was a testament to the power of teamwork, strategy, and sheer determination. The Cougars have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with, and their journey is far from over. Stay tuned, sports fans, because if this game was any indication, there are more thrilling moments to come from BYU basketball.
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No. 25 BYU tops 11th-ranked Baylor 78-71 behind strong game from Khalifa
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