KISSIMMEE, Fla. — BYU celebrated Thanksgiving with a solid win against Miami, finishing 72-62 in the ESPN Events Invitational. After a tough first half, the Cougars really turned things around.
They started the second half trailing by four points but quickly made adjustments. BYU launched into a 30-12 run and hit six out of their next seven shots after tying the game at 37. Kennard Davis kicked off the action with a crucial 3-pointer that shifted the momentum in their favor, leading the Cougars on a 10-0 streak. Even though Miami tried to catch up, BYU’s defense kept them at bay during a long scoreless period.
Davis returned from a two-game suspension and shone on the court, scoring 18 points and pulling down five rebounds. He shot 7 for 10 and was a key defensive player, helping to hold Miami to their lowest scoring output of the season at just 62 points.
This victory highlighted BYU’s strong defensive skills. Miami came into the game averaging 92.2 points per game but had trouble finding their rhythm against BYU. They shot only 37.9% overall and even struggled from the free-throw line, making just 41.2% of their attempts.
Experts often emphasize the importance of defense in basketball, and this game illustrated that perfectly. Defensive plays can dictate the pace and lead to significant victories. Additionally, statistics show that teams with higher defense ratings have better win-loss records. By reducing Miami’s usual scoring, BYU showcased how crucial defense is, especially as they prepare for the tougher Big 12 competition ahead.
As the Cougars continue their season, fans will hope they can maintain this level of grit and adaptability on the court.
For further insights, you can check out ESPN’s analysis on team defenses here.
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