BYU Basketball Recognized as National Team of the Week
PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball is in the midst of an impressive stretch.
The Cougars had one of the best weeks in their history by defeating two Top 25 teams. This marked the first time since 1988 that BYU has won consecutive games against ranked opponents.
This level of success, combined with a team on the rise as March approaches, has brought BYU basketball into the national spotlight.
Andy Katz Names BYU Basketball National Team of the Week On Monday, NCAA.com’s Andy Katz honored BYU as the National Team of the Week.
The Cougars delivered a historic 34-point victory over Kansas last Tuesday in Provo, followed by a thrilling 96-95 win at Arizona’s McKale Center.
With a 19-8 overall record and a 10-6 mark in Big 12 play, BYU is having an impressive season.
In the past two weeks, BYU has been on fire, winning four straight games. The Cougars have claimed eight victories in their last 10 outings.
Richie Saunders Leads the Charge Richie Saunders played a key role in both wins, averaging 22.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals during the week.
A Team Effort BYU’s recent success has been fueled by strong performances across the board from their expanded rotation.
In both wins against Kansas and Arizona, five players scored in double figures.
Mawot Mag, a transfer from Rutgers, has excelled in his starting role, averaging 12 points last week while hitting five 3-pointers in the two games. Mag has greatly improved his true shooting percentage from 46% last season at Rutgers to 62.8% this season.
Egor Demin, Dallin Hall, Keba Keita, and Trevin Knell also contributed to the team’s memorable week.
Following their win at Arizona on Saturday, BYU has stayed in Arizona preparing for a matchup with Arizona State on Wednesday night in Tempe. The Cougars will return home to face West Virginia on Saturday, March 1.
