The Marriott Center was buzzing as BYU’s basketball team debuted their season. The Cougars, ranked No. 8, dominated Holy Cross with a 98-53 victory.
BYU showed off a powerful offense. They nearly hit 100 points, with 58 in the first half and 40 in the second. Five players scored in double digits, led by Richie Saunders, who scored 20 points. The team shot an impressive 61.9%, including 84.2% on two-point shots. They only needed seven three-pointers to reach 98 points and recorded just six turnovers while making 20 assists.
On the defensive side, BYU excelled. Holy Cross was known for their three-point shooting, ranking 10th nationally last season at 38.7%. Against BYU, they struggled, making only 3 out of 22 attempts from beyond the arc. The Cougars held their opponents to 35% shooting overall and forced 15 turnovers. Players like Richie Saunders had four steals, showcasing a high-energy defensive effort.
This year’s BYU basketball team is different. They don’t rely on tons of three-pointers or aggressive fast breaks like in past seasons. Instead, they combine athleticism with smart play. Isolation plays and strong drives to the basket are now key parts of their strategy. With players such as AJ Dybantsa and Rob Wright leading the charge, they kept fans entertained, notching 10 dunks during the game—quite a feat for BYU.
In a broader context, basketball has evolved. Teams today focus more on speed and shooting accuracy, influenced by analytics. The NBA sets the tone, with many college teams trying to emulate the fast-paced, high-scoring style.
Fans on social media have taken notice. Many expressed excitement about the team’s new style, with trending hashtags praising their performance. Overall, if Saturday’s game is a sign of things to come, BYU basketball fans can look forward to an entertaining season ahead.
For more details on NCAA basketball trends, you can check out the NCAA’s official statistics page.
Source link
news-feed-local
