BYU Basketball Heads to Arizona State for Road Showdown
BYU is on a roll, having won four consecutive games, including a major upset of Arizona in Tucson. The Cougars sealed the victory with two clutch free throws followed by an interception of a Wildcat inbound pass, securing a 96-95 win. Now, they shift their attention to Arizona State and the Sun Devils.
The Cougars are firing on all cylinders, with their recent victories piling up. BYU has found its rhythm from beyond the arc, and Keba Keita has been a force inside. The team has also improved its free-throw shooting and isn’t afraid to play physical basketball. Though defense remains an area for growth, BYU’s efforts on that end are also showing improvement.
In their Big 12 opener, BYU defeated Arizona State 76-56. Richie Saunders had a career-high 30 points, while Keba Keita grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked a shot. It was a close contest early on, but BYU pulled away in the latter stages. Arizona State will now look to avenge that loss on their home court. Here’s how BYU can avoid a letdown:
Fousseyni Traore, KJ Adams
Kansas vs. Brigham Young | Chris Gardner/GettyImages
Keys to Victory at Arizona State:
1. Start Strong: BYU performs better when they jump out to an early lead. They were able to do this against Kansas, quickly gaining control and maintaining it. The Cougars typically play well at home, but they have struggled on the road. They need to come out fast and build a significant advantage early on.
2. Play Solid Defense: At times, BYU’s defense has looked disorganized. They’ll need to tighten up their defensive effort and maintain constant communication. As the season progresses, the Cougars must continue improving their defense to succeed.
3. Ball Movement: BYU excels when they are moving the ball effectively. The Cougars play their best basketball when they are focused on ball movement, finding open looks, and maximizing their offensive efficiency.
BYU has a strong chance to defeat Arizona State, but they must stay focused and not get complacent. The Cougars appear to be an NCAA Tournament team, but they can’t afford to let their guard down now.
BYU Basketball will face off against Arizona State tomorrow night. The game is scheduled for 7:30 pm and will be streamed on ESPN+.
