BYU Ends Losing Streak, Preps for Colorado Clash in Provo Saturday

The BYU Cougars, ranked No. 22 nationally, will attempt to build on their recent success as they face the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday afternoon. This Big 12 matchup takes place at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, with a scheduled tipoff at 2 p.m. MST. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1.

Recognizing Jimmer Fredette

A significant highlight of the day will be the retirement of Jimmer Fredette’s jersey number 32 during halftime. Fredette’s impact on BYU basketball is legendary, especially after his remarkable senior season in 2010-11, during which he led the nation in scoring with an average of 28.9 points per game. His contributions propelled the Cougars to their highest-ever ranking of No. 3 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.

• Jimmer Fredette’s jersey number: 32
• Season average points (2010-11): 28.9
• Top AP ranking: No. 3

Fredette’s legacy resonates strongly with both current players and fans, marking the occasion as a celebration of his career and an important moment in BYU history.

BYU’s Recent Performance

The Cougars are looking to maintain momentum after snapping a four-game losing streak with a thrilling 99-94 victory over Baylor. Their current record stands at 18 wins and 6 losses, with a conference mark of 6-5. Coach Kevin Young emphasizes the need for continuity and improvement as the season progresses.

Upcoming Challenges

BYU currently sits tied for sixth place in the Big 12 standings, alongside UCF and West Virginia. They aim for a top-four finish to secure a double-bye in the upcoming Big 12 tournament. However, they must stay focused against Colorado, especially with a challenging matchup against No. 1 Arizona looming on the horizon.

Colorado Buffaloes Overview

Colorado enters the contest with a record of 14-11 and 4-8 in conference play. The Buffaloes are coming off a difficult 78-44 loss against No. 16 Texas Tech. Coach Tad Boyle expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, highlighting a lack of toughness and ambition. Their only recent bright spot was a significant win over TCU, which ended a six-game losing streak.

• Colorado Record: 14-11 overall; 4-8 conference
• Recent Loss: 78-44 against No. 16 Texas Tech
• Impressive Win: 87-61 over TCU

Player Stats and Standing

Key players for Colorado include Isaiah Johnson, who leads the team with an average of 16.1 points per game. The team has shown resilience at home but struggles significantly when on the road.

As for BYU, they are ranked 19th in the NCAA NET rankings and 21st in KenPom efficiency rankings. The Cougars must capitalize on their home court advantage to reaffirm their position within the league.

As the matchup approaches, both teams are aware of the importance of securing a victory. For BYU, it’s an opportunity to commend their history while continuing to strive for excellence in this competitive season.