BYU has 3 case studies to learn from and 3 games to play before the Big 12 arrives

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Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) drives against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

When BYU’s basketball schedule came out, the December home games against Fresno State, Wyoming (Delta Center) and Florida A&M were far from the A-list opponents of Ole Miss, NC State and Providence, but they just might prove to be the most important.

The Cougars, 6-2, came through their three-game stretch against the “power” programs with an overtime loss to the Rebels (SEC), a double-digit win against the Wolfpack (ACC) and a one-sided pounding by Providence (Big East). They also returned home with a treasure trove of experience, good and bad, to prepare them for the 20-game gauntlet in the Big 12.

Against Ole Miss, BYU had its first chance to execute a last-possession basket to win the game. As the play began, Egor Demin slipped to the floor and Foussenyi Traore, with Trevin Knell spotting up for an open shot, lost control of the ball and everything unraveled from there.

The missed opportunity led to a stinging 96-85 loss in overtime; however, the next time BYU has a game-winning opportunity, it won’t be the first time.

In its showdown against NC State, the Cougars learned how to bounce back quickly from a disappointing defeat. BYU played under control. Seven players scored seven or more points while six had two or more assists in a game the Cougars never trailed — beating the Wolfpack 72-61 and finishing the two-day event in San Diego.

There will be defeats in the Big 12. Knowing how to respond in a positive way will be critical when they happen.

Tuesday night at Providence, the Cougars experienced their first true road game and to say it was an education is an understatement. The crowd rattled BYU’s young guns, and the two projected NBA draft picks fired far off target. Demin (0 for 10) and Kanon Catchings (1 for 8) combined to shoot 1 of 18 from the field, including 1 for 9 from the 3-point…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/byu-3-case-studies-learn-200907450.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-12-05 20:09:00

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