TEMPE, Arizona — BYU’s basketball team, under Coach Kevin Young, is making waves this week. They recently celebrated several achievements, including Richie Saunders being named Big 12 Player of the Week. The Cougars also earned their first national ranking, coming in at No. 25 in the AP Top 25 after impressive back-to-back victories over Kansas and Arizona.
Despite the accolades, Coach Young is focused on the challenges ahead. He knows that these achievements won’t matter if the Cougars don’t perform well against Arizona State on Wednesday. This game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MST at the Desert Financial Arena, is crucial, especially after a demanding win against Arizona.
BYU (19-8, 10-6) is feeling the toll from their recent games, especially after a close 96-95 victory over Arizona. In contrast, ASU (13-14, 4-12) suffered a tough loss against BYU earlier this season. Although the Sun Devils have struggled, they are now playing with determination and purpose. They recently beat Kansas State 66-54, despite missing key players.
Coach Young highlighted the challenges posed by the Sun Devils. “They are playing free and aggressive,” he said, acknowledging that the changes in their lineup could make them unpredictable. ASU’s NET ranking of 60 makes this game a significant opportunity for BYU to strengthen their position.
Young also reflected on his team’s energy levels, especially after the intense Arizona game. He believes the extra day of rest before the game will help them recharge. “That was a tough battle, but we’ve had some time to regroup,” he noted.
After practicing at the Phoenix Suns’ facility, Young emphasized the importance of staying focused. He used his previous connections to help the team experience a taste of professional-level training. This helps break the routine of the season as they prepare for the upcoming games.
During their film sessions, the Cougars reviewed their performance against Arizona, especially the final moments of the game. Despite their win, they allowed 95 points and recognized the need to improve their defense. “There are so many lessons in close games like that,” Young observed. They are working to fine-tune their defense as they move forward.
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