They did it. On senior night, BYU basketball took down the Utes at home, securing their eighth consecutive victory to close out the 2024-25 season. And they did so in style, as Kevin Young’s squad finished with an 85-74 triumph.
Despite a rough start in the first half, where their offense struggled and missed its first 13 three-point attempts, BYU still managed to hold a four-point lead at the break. Strong defense and a last-second three-pointer from Dallin Hall helped them maintain control.
Outside of Dawson Baker and Egor Demin, BYU’s offense lacked energy. However, with the momentum on their side, the Cougars refused to fall behind their in-state rivals.
The game was scrappy from start to finish, filled with heated moments, debatable calls, and plenty of reasons for both teams to react emotionally—both positively and negatively. Hard collisions, blocked shots, trash talk, and clutch plays made for a thrilling battle between the Cougars and Utes.
Once BYU found its rhythm in the second half, there was no stopping them. Utah’s biggest fear became a reality: BYU playing at even a fraction of its full potential.
Demin had an outstanding performance. Like a chef presenting dishes to a critic, he delivered six assists while consistently attacking the rim—if the food analogy still works for you. He finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, providing much-needed support in a game where Utah dominated the boards by nearly 20.
A strong showing and a fulfilling sendoff on what was essentially Senior Night for Demin, who is likely headed to the next level after just one season.
Fouss Traore, Trey Stewart, Trevin Knell, and Mawot Mag were all honored on Senior Night. Mag, a transfer from Rutgers, is the only one who didn’t spend his full college career at BYU. Each of them, in different ways, left a lasting impact on the program.
Knell will be remembered as one of BYU’s top shooters. Traore and Stewart were key culture builders for the locker room. Fouss, known for playing bigger than his frame and always bringing joy to the game, will be a tough loss. Stewart, despite limited playing time early on, emerged in the second half of the season as a defensive stopper worthy of guarding the opposition’s best player.
Utah vs. Brigham
BYU basketball wrapped up the regular season with a 23-8 record. An eight-game winning streak, with victories over top conference opponents, is no small feat and will certainly factor into Selection Sunday considerations.
Now, the Cougars shift their focus to the rest of March and, with any luck, early April. BYU is a strong dark-horse pick in the NCAA Tournament, projected as a five-to-seven seed, and could carry this momentum to a conference title. However, it’s too soon to tell.
Kevin Young and his coaching staff deserve immense credit. Despite a rocky start, they’ve turned BYU into one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball. The Cougars now have a chance to prove themselves in the Big 12, entering with a double-bye to face the winner of Iowa State and its prior opponent.
Let’s be real—it’ll almost certainly be Iowa State, and they’ll be eager for payback. Win that game, and Houston likely awaits. Keep your eyes open, Cougars—this could be
your breakthrough moment.
