No. 22 BYU Triumphs Over Colorado in 90-86 Overtime Thriller

In an exhilarating matchup, BYU emerged victorious against Colorado with a score of 90-86 in overtime. This dramatic win took place on Saturday and marked BYU’s second consecutive victory of the season. With this win, the Cougars improved their overall record to 19-6, while their Big 12 conference play record stands at 7-5.

Injury Concerns for BYU

The game was overshadowed by a significant injury to Richie Saunders, who is BYU’s second-leading scorer. Just 45 seconds into the game, Saunders suffered an awkward fall while attempting a jump, injuring his right knee.

• Saunders was immediately assisted off the court.
• Despite giving a thumbs-up to fans, he did not return to the game.
• His injury could greatly impact BYU’s success for the remainder of the season.

Game Overview

The Cougars struggled to maintain a solid lead throughout the game. They never led by more than eight points against a Colorado team that recently suffered a considerable defeat.

• BYU turned the ball over 16 times, allowing Colorado to score 21 points from those mistakes.
• Leading by seven with under five minutes remaining, BYU faltered, finishing the game poorly.
• Colorado capitalized on this opportunity, hitting five out of their last eight shots to force overtime.

Overtime Performance

During the overtime period, Colorado struggled to find the basket, making only 2 out of 10 shots. A crucial 3-pointer from Aleksej Kostic gave BYU a lead they would maintain until the game’s conclusion.

Shooting Statistics

Interestingly, BYU showcased a mixed shooting performance. They recorded a 50% success rate from beyond the arc, which is their best against a Big 12 opponent this season. However, they only managed 45% from two-point range.

• BYU’s struggles included six missed layups during the game.
• AJ Dybantsa had a rocky performance, contributing 20 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists, despite seven turnovers.
• Rob Wright III shone with a career-high of 39 points, alongside five rebounds and four assists.

This thrilling encounter not only highlighted the resilience of the Cougars but also raised concerns regarding team depth and the potential impact of Saunders’ injury on their season. As BYU looks ahead, they will need to navigate these challenges carefully to maintain their competitive edge in the Big 12.