BYU basketball: Are expectations changing for Cougar Cagers?

BYU basketball is off to a solid 8-2 start to the season. The Cougars are on a five game winning streak and are preparing to host the rival Utah Utes.

No one really expected much from BYU basketball this season. After losing Eric Mika – and then Nick Emery – most figured the 2017-18 campaign would be similar to 2016-17. Likely a trip to the NIT, likely an early exit.

But, through 10 games, are things starting to change for BYU basketball?

Both of the Cougars’ losses have been to NCAA Tournament teams. Other than that, they’ve done exactly what they were supposed to do.

Win.

You can only play the teams on your schedule. And while BYU basketball hasn’t had the toughest schedule in the nation, the Cougars are putting together the types of wins that tend to mean something in March.

Gritty wins when shots aren’t falling. Games when you have to rely on defense. The type of games that help a team gel more than an 88-80 track meet.

But while BYU basketball fans may now be expecting the Cougars to go dancing in March, that doesn’t mean much. The team has to keep stringing together wins.

Most importantly, the Cougars need to defeat Utah on Saturday. Before the season began, we said BYU basketball had to win at least three of these games:

Princeton, Alabama, Utah, Gonzaga (x2) and St. Mary’s (x2).

Princeton was a win, Bama was a loss. So now the Cougars have five chances at two wins. Considering you never want to count on beating the Zags and Gaels, defeating Utah would be huge.

Not only for tournament hopes, but for bragging rights. For revenge.

Of course, this is the first Holy War basketball game since Utah attempted to cancel the rivalry under the guise of safety.

Unfortunately for the Utes, the Marriott Center will be as electric and vitriolic as an arena filled with LDS fans can be. Home court advantage is alive and well in college basketball, too.

Cougars, the time is now.