3 Reasons Why BYU Could (or Couldn’t) Make a March Madness Run
BYU basketball has the potential for a memorable postseason, and here are a few reasons why they could go all the way.
The Cougars have been on a hot streak in college basketball, to the point where CBS analyst Seth Davis is predicting they’ll make it to the Elite 8.
March is a time when college basketball teams are analyzed and re-analyzed endlessly. The highs get higher, and the lows get lower. Let’s break down why BYU may (or may not) finally win their first NCAA Tournament game in five attempts and make a run.
1. Three-Point Shooting BYU is widely recognized for its proficiency in shooting from beyond the arc. Teams in the past have had success in the tournament simply by getting hot from three-point range for a few games, creating upsets along the way. Could this be BYU’s path?
BYU attempts the fourth most three-pointers of any Power 4 team, behind only Illinois, Alabama, and Marquette. They average 28.8 three-point attempts per game, leading the Big 12 by nearly two attempts. Not only do they take a lot of threes, but they also make a significant percentage, shooting at 37.1%, ranking 36th in the nation and 12th among tournament teams.
In their Big 12 tournament game against Iowa State, they shot 50% from three, and if they replicate that in the NCAA tournament, they could be a tough matchup for anyone.
2. Bench Depth BYU head coach Kevin Young is fortunate to have one of the deepest rosters in the country. The Cougars regularly rotate between 10-11 players, with minimal dropoff when substitutions occur.
One of the top college basketball analysts, Evan Miyakawa, highlighted this strength in a recent video.
BYU’s depth is remarkable, with players like Mihailo Boskovic, Trey Stewart, Dallin Hall, Fousseyni Traore, and Dawson Baker providing solid contributions off the bench.
This depth could prove crucial in March Madness, especially against teams like VCU, which ranks 273rd in the nation in possessions per game. BYU could look to leverage its depth and fast pace of play to outlast opponents.
3. Ball Control Since the season’s start, I’ve emphasized one key factor in every preview, post-game, and article: fewer turnovers equals more wins. In my view, winning the turnover battle gives a team a 70-75% chance of victory, a strong indicator of success. Here are BYU’s turnover margins from their Big 12 games:
When BYU wins the turnover battle, they win 75% of the time. Although their high-powered offense can sometimes cover up mistakes, minimizing turnovers is a key to success, particularly against potential NCAA Tournament opponents.
Excitement and nerves are high for every team during March, and BYU is no exception. Whether the Cougars are still in the tournament in late March will depend on these critical factors.
