No. 11 BYU Elevates Big 12 Schedule with Late Night TCU Matchup
BYU’s basketball program is creating buzz as they prepare for a crucial matchup against TCU. On Monday, coach Kevin Young raised eyebrows during a press briefing when he questioned the team’s drop from the Associated Press Top 10, despite successful performances in recent games.
Upcoming BYU vs. TCU Game Details
The Cougars, boasting a record of 15-1 and standing 3-0 in the Big 12, will face TCU (11-5, 1-2) on Wednesday at 9 p.m. MST. The game will take place at the Marriott Center, airing on ESPN2 and broadcasted on BYURadio.
Recent Performance
BYU recently faced stiff competition, defeating Arizona State 104-76 and securing a road win against Utah, 89-84. These victories marked important milestones as they are the Cougars’ first win against Utah since 2021 and extended their winning streak to 12 games.
Poll Controversy
Despite their strong performance, the Cougars fell from No. 9 to No. 11 in the AP poll. Coach Young lamented this decision, citing BYU’s only loss was a narrow two-point defeat to UConn, the No. 3 team in the nation and in challenging circumstances without two starters. He acknowledged the inconsistency of the AP rankings and emphasized the goal is to focus on improving BYU’s standing in the NET rankings, where they currently sit at No. 9.
Remaining Schedule and Challenges
The Cougars face a challenging slate ahead in the Big 12. They will host TCU before traveling to Lubbock for a game against No. 15 Texas Tech. With 15 remaining games, they have ample opportunities to bolster their NET ranking, with 10 of those classified as Quad 1 matchups.
- Current record: 15-1
- Big 12 record: 3-0
- Upcoming opponents: TCU, Texas Tech
- NET Ranking: 9th
Analysis of TCU
TCU comes into the game following a narrow overtime loss to No. 22 Kansas and a defeat against top-ranked Arizona. Coach Young noted TCU’s strengths and competitiveness, particularly under coach Jamie Dixon.
TCU averages 80.4 points per game while holding opponents to 68.4. Their standout players include:
- David Punch: 14.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game
- Jayden Pierre: 10.9 points per game
- Brock Harding: 6.2 assists per game
Local Ties
Two TCU players have notable connections to Utah: Tanner Toolson, son of former BYU star Andy Toolson, and Adam Stewart, who played high school basketball in Utah. Young spoke highly of Toolson, highlighting his gritty playing style and competitiveness, particularly as they prepare for Wednesday’s clash.
As BYU looks ahead to the matchup against TCU, they aim to maintain their momentum in the Big 12 and regain ground in the national polls. The Cougars are focused on executing their game plan effectively to secure another victory.
