What a game! No. 23 BYU secured a spot as the 4 seed in the Big 12 basketball tournament after an exciting double overtime win against No. 10 Iowa State. The final score was 88-85, marking a thrilling chapter in their season.
With this victory, the Cougars extended their winning streak to seven games, bringing their record to 22-8 overall and 13-6 in Big 12 play. That’s quite a turnaround!
Here are some key highlights from the match:
BYU’s Slow Start: The Cougars faced a tough beginning, not scoring their first basket until nearly seven minutes into the game. They also turned the ball over five times in the early minutes, struggling to find their rhythm. At one point, they had more turnovers (eight) than shot attempts (seven) in the first half.
However, the team showed resilience. They ended the first half strong, going on a 23-7 run and then continued with a 21-9 scoring spree after halftime, building a comfortable 21-point lead.
But Iowa State wasn’t about to give up. The Cyclones fought back, outscoring BYU 35-14 and forcing the game into overtime. The extra periods were just as intense, with both teams tied even after five additional minutes.
In the clutch moments of double overtime, BYU’s defense shined. They forced Iowa State into a shot clock violation, and a key free throw by Dallin Hall sealed the win.
This victory was especially significant as it came against a top-10 team on the road, handing Iowa State only their second home loss in two seasons.
Handling the Turnovers: Despite the win, BYU had a shaky night with the ball, logging a total of 29 turnovers. While fans might debate the officiating, it was their own mistakes that added drama to the game. Key players like Hall and Egor Demin each tallied six turnovers, while others also contributed to the turnover count.
Yet, BYU’s strong rebounding helped balance things out. They dominated the boards, out-rebounding Iowa State 52-24, with 17 offensive rebounds. Keba Keita was a standout, grabbing nine of those and making crucial blocks throughout the game.
The Road Ahead: With their fourth seed clinched, BYU is set for a double bye in the Big 12 tournament. Their first game will be next Thursday in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Iowa State, coming in as the fifth seed, will play next Wednesday. If they win, the two teams may meet again in the tournament, promising another thrilling match.
Fans should get ready for some exciting basketball ahead. Bring on the tournament!
Check out this related article: Aggies Make History: Auburn Falls as Texas A&M Secures First Win Over a No. 1 Team
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