BYU Falls Short Against Houston in Big 12 Quarterfinals
The BYU Cougars’ run in the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament came to an end on March 12. They faced the Houston Cougars in the quarterfinals, losing 73-66 despite leading at halftime.
Quarterfinal Matchup Overview
BYU entered the game with a season record of 23-11. They had previously demonstrated impressive performances, including a historical 105-point game in the first round of the tournament against West Virginia. This marked the highest total in Big 12 tournament history.
Game Highlights
- BYU led at halftime by four points, showing potential for an upset.
- In the second half, fatigue became evident as BYU managed only 32% shooting.
- Houston outscored BYU 36-25 in the final period, taking control of the game.
- The Cougars made nine turnovers in the second half, impacting their performance.
Key Players
AJ Dybantsa and Rob Wright III had a strong first half with a combined 28 points. However, they struggled in the second half, scoring only 13 points in total during that period. Kennard Davis Jr., previously averaging over 17 points a game, also failed to score in the latter portion of the game, missing all five shot attempts.
Defensive Efforts
Despite their loss, BYU showcased a strong defensive presence. Dominique Diomande recorded three steals for the third consecutive game, and Keba Keita contributed two blocks. The Cougars forced a total of 16 turnovers from Houston, but their own turnovers resulted in 19 points for the opposing team.
The rebounding battle saw Houston triumph with a 37-30 advantage. Keita’s 13 rebounds were a bright spot, further emphasizing BYU’s efforts on the boards.
What Lies Ahead for BYU
Though BYU’s tournament run ended in the quarterfinals, they established a solid identity. With a strong defensive showing and consistent offensive performances, the team appeared well-prepared for the upcoming NCAA tournament. They are expected to enter the tournament as a 6 seed.
BYU will take a much-needed week off to recover and strategize before learning their opponent for the Round of 64 next Thursday.
