BYU basketball: Three Cougar keys to a WCC Tournament run

BYU basketball is coming off one of the best wins in program history. But can the Cougars keep it rolling in the WCC Tournament?

Beating No. 1 Gonzaga was one of the best moments in BYU basketball history. No questions asked.

Yet, at the same time, there’s still a bit of emptiness. A sense of missed opportunity. A lot of wondering about what might have been.

That’s what horrible losses do to you.

But, there’s still hope for BYU basketball. Albeit a slight hope. All the Cougars have to do is win the conference tournament, knocking off St. Mary’s and Gonzaga.

Is this likely? No. Is it possible? Considering BYU outscored Gonzaga 77-53 after their slow start, yeah it’s possible.

But BYU basketball will need these three things to happen.

Protect the ball

BYU basketball has lost the turnover battle in five of its 10 losses (won four, tied once). So, more often that not, if the Cougars aren’t protecting the ball, they’re losing games.

Especially against a team like St. Mary’s, that plays with the pace of cold molasses. The Gaels will limit possessions, so BYU can’t be giving them extra looks/chances to drain the clock. BYU’s win over Gonzaga showed a ton of promise.

Usually running at a break-neck pace, the Cougars slowed things down for the final four minutes. If they can do it against the Zags, they can do it against the Gaels.