NEWARK, N.J. — The NCAA Tournament journey for BYU Cougars has concluded, as they faced a disappointing defeat against the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. The game, held in Newark, ended with a staggering score of 113-88, marking a tough end to BYU’s season. Under the leadership of Coach Kevin Young, the Cougars wrapped up their campaign with a commendable record of 26-10, achieving the program's third-ever Sweet 16 appearance.
In analyzing the game, several critical factors contributed to the outcome. One of the most striking aspects was Alabama's extraordinary performance from beyond the arc. The Crimson Tide set a new NCAA Tournament record by hitting 25 three-pointers out of 51 attempts, boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 49%. In stark contrast, the usually proficient Cougars struggled with their long-range shooting, making only 6 of 30 attempts (20%), including a meager 1 for 13 in the first half. The sheer volume of Alabama's 3-pointers accounted for an astounding 66% of their total points, making it nearly impossible for BYU to mount a successful challenge.
Another pivotal element in the game was the outstanding performance of Mark Sears, who emerged as a formidable force for Alabama. Scoring 34 points, with 10 of those coming from beyond the arc, Sears also contributed eight assists and three steals. His relentless scoring ability proved too much for the Cougars to handle, solidifying his status as a new figure in Cougar basketball folklore. Thanks to his exceptional play, Alabama secured their spot in the Elite Eight.
Despite the disappointing end to their NCAA Tournament run, the 2022-2023 season for BYU was filled with accomplishments. Although Cougar fans may feel disheartened at the moment, it’s important to recognize that Coach Young's inaugural season with BYU exceeded expectations. Following Coach Mark Pope's departure to Kentucky, the Cougars rallied to finish with a 14-6 record in Big 12 play, proving that their transition to the new league was no fluke. Notably, BYU won their first tournament game in 13 years and advanced to the Sweet 16 for only the third time in program history.
Looking ahead, the Cougars have promising prospects. If Egor Demin opts to declare for the NBA Draft, his performance during March Madness could elevate his draft stock, potentially making him a lottery pick. This would mark a significant achievement for BYU, as they have not seen a player selected in the draft since Jimmer Fredette. Additionally, with the anticipated arrival of AJ Dybantsa next season and the hope to retain key players like Richie Saunders, Dallin Hall, and Keba Keita, the Cougars are well-positioned for further success in the coming years. With a few strategic transfers, BYU could make an even deeper run in the NCAA Tournament next season.
In conclusion, the first year of the Kevin Young era at BYU has been nothing short of remarkable, and it appears that the best is yet to come for Cougar basketball.
