Make that three wins in a row for BYU to kick off the season. After a shaky first half, the Cougars rallied to secure an 85-68 victory over Delaware on Tuesday night at the Marriott Center.
Key Moments from the Game
1. Rob Wright’s Breakout Performance
Rob Wright shone bright, scoring a career-high 26 points along with nine rebounds and nine assists. His energetic performance changed the pace for the team, especially when things looked rocky. Wright hit four 3-pointers and was relentless in chasing after offensive rebounds. Though AJ Dybantsa has dominated headlines this season, Wright’s contributions are vital. Together with Dybantsa and Richie Saunders, they form a powerhouse trio that’s hard to beat in college basketball.
2. Slow Start for BYU
The first half was a struggle for BYU. Delaware jumped ahead with a 10-0 run and finished the half leading 37-34. BYU didn’t take the lead until about 15 minutes into the second half. Though Delaware was effective from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 24 3-pointers, BYU found their rhythm later. After trailing, the Cougars exploded with a 32-10 run to seal the game. They need to improve their defense and find better chemistry, especially with tougher opponents like No. 3 UConn looming.
3. Resurgence from Long Range
BYU had been struggling with their 3-point shooting earlier in the season. However, they made a significant turnaround, sinking 12 of 17 3-pointers in the second half after starting cold at 0 for 11. Richie Saunders found his groove, hitting 6 out of 11 from deep, all in that critical second half. If he and his teammates can maintain this shooting performance, they’ll pose a serious threat to any team.
Looking Ahead
The Cougars need to carry this momentum into their next game. Improvement on defense and team chemistry will be crucial as they prepare for challenging matchups in the coming weeks. Their upcoming non-conference games will be key to helping them grow before entering Big 12 play.
In recent years, the importance of a team’s chemistry and defensive strategies has been highlighted repeatedly in basketball. Experts often say that a strong defensive team can make all the difference. According to a recent survey conducted by NCAA, teams with effective gameplay and solid chemistry generally have better success rates against higher-ranked teams.
Watch for how BYU adapts as they continue their season. If they can fine-tune their game and build on these insights, they might just surprise a few more teams this year.
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