BYU Basketball: The different paths to the NCAA Tournament

BYU Basketball: The path to the NCAA Tournament

By Adam Gibby | Jan 6, 2022

PROVO, UT - DECEMBER 29: Hunter Erickson #0 of the Brigham Young Cougars slam dunks the ball on a breakaway against the Westminster Griffins during the second half of their game December 29, 2021 at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

Dec 28, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Martynas Arlauskas (5) shoots the ball against North Alabama Lion’s center Sawyer Wright (10) in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga won 93-63. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Beat Gonzaga once

It is hard to see a scenario where BYU beats Gonzaga once and doesn’t make the tournament. Sure, the Cougars theoretically could go 1-5 in all the big games and drop a few more to the bottom tiered teams and fall out, but that isn’t likely to happen.

What is likely to happen in this scenario is that BYU would end up 3-3 (or 4-2) in the big games and then be able to afford a loss to Portland, Santa Clara or Pacific. Yes, Cougarnation would freak out and think the season is over after a Pacific loss, but the Gonzaga win would equal everything out as if nothing happened.

Essentially, beating Gonzaga would give the Cougars a get out of jail free card in the eyes of the NCAA Committee. So could BYU miss the tournament while beating Gonzaga, sure, but I really like BYU’s chances.

Home/BYU Basketball