In a stunning display of basketball prowess, No. 6 seed BYU secured its place in the Sweet 16 after a nail-biting 91-89 victory against No. 3 seed Wisconsin. This victory marks a significant achievement for BYU, representing the Big 12, as they became the first team in the NCAA Tournament to defeat one of the eight teams from the Big Ten. The win underscores the strength of BYU's recent performances, which included victories over ranked teams such as Arizona, Kansas, and Iowa State (twice).
BYU's coach, Kevin Young, expressed his unwavering belief in the team during a post-game interview with the BYU Sports Network. “I believe it. I think the guys believe it. They’re trusting in their abilities more and more,” Young stated. He emphasized the importance of relying on the hard work the team has put in throughout the season. “When you get to the postseason, your true colors come to life,” he remarked. This sentiment reflects the team's dedication and determination, which have been evident throughout the postseason.
In his inaugural season as a head coach, Young orchestrated a masterclass in offensive strategy against Wisconsin. The Cougars demonstrated their physicality by dominating the boards, out-rebounding the Badgers 41-32, despite facing two 7-foot players on Wisconsin's roster. While Wisconsin had fewer turnovers (11-5), BYU excelled in various critical statistical categories, including defensive rebounds (28-21), offensive boards (13-11), points in the paint (38-28), bench points (24-3), fast-break points (11-0), blocked shots (4-2), and assists (21-11).
As the game neared its conclusion, Wisconsin mounted a late challenge with a 6-0 run in the final 1:16, cutting the margin to a one-possession game. The Badgers relied heavily on free throws, converting 23 of 29 attempts, while BYU managed to shoot 16 free throws, making 15. Notably, Richie Saunders, who scored 25 points, faced a disparity in officiating compared to Wisconsin's All-American John Tonje, who scored 37 points, with 14 of those coming from the line. This discrepancy raises questions about the game's officiating and could have significantly impacted the score.
The intensely physical nature of the game led to officials issuing three technical fouls. Dawson Baker was ejected late in the second half after an incident involving an elbow, while Mawot Mag received a technical for pointing at the replay screen—a rare occurrence in basketball officiating. The heated contest highlighted the passion and competitiveness of both teams.
Richie Saunders' performance stood out, particularly his six offensive rebounds, which showcased his tenacity and will to win. Young praised Saunders, stating, “The guy’s will to win is second to none.” His ability to secure crucial rebounds at pivotal moments was instrumental in BYU's victory. Additionally, senior Trevin Knell made vital contributions, hitting four out of six 3-point attempts, including two during critical moments as Wisconsin attempted to rally.
BYU’s depth was also evident, with reserves Trey Stewart and Baker contributing 15 points in 31 minutes. Freshman Egor Demin showcased his versatility, recording 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists while effectively guarding Wisconsin's towering players. This BYU squad is a force to be reckoned with, characterized by their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering belief in one another.
BYU's offensive efficiency set records, achieving the third-highest efficiency allowed by VCU this season and the highest against basketball powerhouses like Kansas, Arizona, Cincinnati, and West Virginia. The Cougars' 91 points, coupled with 21 assists and an impressive shooting percentage of 49.2%, highlights their offensive prowess. Remarkably, the team also achieved a free-throw shooting percentage of 93.8%, a feat never before accomplished in a single NCAA Tournament game.
As BYU prepares for the Sweet 16, the echoes of past glory resonate, reminding fans of the 2011 and 1981 teams that also made deep tournament runs. The presence of former stars like Jimmer Fredette and Danny Ainge in the stands serves as a reminder of the legacy these players are building. With their impressive performance against Wisconsin, the Cougars are poised to continue their journey through the tournament. How sweet it is for BYU fans to witness this new chapter in their basketball history!
