BYU vs Baylor Recap: Kanon Catchings Leads the Cougars to a 93-89 Overtime Victory
Kanon Catchings was unstoppable as BYU claimed its first Quad 1 victory, defeating Baylor 93-89 in overtime. The Marriott Center hosted a thrilling Big 12 showdown with a star-studded audience, including NBA scouts, general managers, and even Conor McGregor. A few years ago, this matchup wouldn’t have seemed plausible, but it came to fruition, providing an unforgettable game.
Catchings vs. Edgecombe
It took an extra five minutes, but BYU secured a 93-89 overtime win over Baylor, improving to 14-6 on the season and 5-4 in conference play. Kanon Catchings was the standout, finishing with 23 points on perfect shooting: 8-8 from the field, 4-4 from three, and 3-3 from the free-throw line. This performance set a new BYU record for the most made shots without a miss by a freshman, marking the first time this century a freshman has achieved such a feat nationwide.
However, BYU wasn’t the only team with a talented freshman. Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe, a future lottery pick, kept the Bears in the game, scoring 28 points, including 6-8 from beyond the arc. It was an exciting duel, one of the best seen at the Marriott Center in years.
Both teams shot well throughout the game, setting the tone early when Trevin Knell drained a 3-pointer just 15 seconds into the game, answered by Edgecombe’s 3 on the next possession. A basket from Egor Demin and free throws from Richie Saunders gave BYU a 7-6 lead, which they maintained for the remainder of the first half, though the lead was never truly safe.
Catchings quickly added nine points from beyond the arc, and BYU’s lead grew to 13 points with five minutes remaining in the half. One of the game’s highlights came when Catchings sprinted across the court to tip an offensive rebound, then hit a corner three. This hustle play exemplified both his senior-like heart and draft-worthy talent, energizing the Cougars as they built momentum.
Despite this, Baylor fought back. Josh Ojianwuna kept them competitive with strong inside play, while his teammates knocked down 3-pointers to cut BYU’s lead to eight by halftime.
BYU opened the second half strong. Richie Saunders scored quickly, stole the ensuing inbound pass, and assisted on a Demin three-pointer, causing a frenzy in the Marriott Center. Baylor responded with a fast comeback, narrowing the gap to five points, and the Catchings-Edgecombe battle raged on. Both players hit impressive stepback shots and finishes, keeping their teams in the game. In the final minutes, BYU coach Kevin Young turned to defense and veteran leadership, substituting Mawot Mag and Dallin Hall in for Catchings.
Initially, the gamble didn’t pay off. Baylor’s Robert Wright III took control, scoring 14 points in the final five minutes, including two free throws with four seconds remaining, to tie the game and force overtime.
In overtime, BYU dominated. Trevin Knell stole the opening tip and converted a quick layup, followed by a Dallin Hall 3-pointer that gave BYU a five-point advantage. Baylor’s Edgecombe and Wright fought back, but BYU made key defensive stops and hit crucial free throws to seal the win.
Key Cougar Performances
Though overshadowed by Conor McGregor’s presence, Catchings delivered a standout performance. Despite playing fewer minutes recently, the freshman maintained his composure and confidence, with excellent shot selection and crucial hustle plays.
Other Cougars, such as Saunders and Demin, struggled from beyond the arc but contributed significantly when attacking the rim. Saunders, in particular, played with the determination of a running back, makin
g critical plays for BYU.
