BYU’s Keba Keita Featured in SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays
BYU center Keba Keita made a remarkable defensive play in the Cougars’ thrilling 88-85 double-overtime victory at No. 10 Iowa State on Tuesday evening.
In the first overtime period, BYU attempted an inbounds pass that sailed over the intended target, leading to a turnover. Iowa State’s Nate Heise quickly seized the loose ball.
Heise looked to have an easy path to a fastbreak layup or dunk. However, Keita, a junior center, sprinted down the court and made a spectacular block to deny Iowa State an easy score.
Keita Earns No. 9 Spot on SportsCenter’s “Top Plays”
Keita’s chase-down block earned a spot on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 plays from Tuesday night.
The play was ranked No. 9 on the list, though many believe it deserved a higher position, as it was one of the most memorable defensive moments in BYU basketball history.
It could have been a case of producers prioritizing the top eight plays they had already selected, leaving Keita’s block at number nine. Regardless, such an exceptional defensive play seemed deserving of a higher ranking.
“Keba Keita, hustling down the court. Great block. BYU in double-overtime, and they get the win over Iowa State to make it seven straight,” ESPN’s Verrett commented while highlighting the No. 9 play on Tuesday’s Top Plays.
Keita Records Three Blocks Against Iowa State
Keita’s performance also included seven points, 15 rebounds, with nine of those coming on the offensive glass, and three blocked shots in 28 minutes of play.
The victory over Iowa State marks BYU’s seventh consecutive win, securing a top-four seed in next week’s Big 12 Conference Tournament in Kansas City.
BYU now holds a 22-8 overall record and 13-6 in the Big 12. On Saturday, Keita and the Cougars will face his former team, the University of Utah.
