BYU went crazy this year. They won 14 conference games and beat several ranked teams. BYU jumped onto the national scene when they beat Kansas 91-57. The Cougars had a nine-game winning streak and seemed invincible.
BYU went from a bubble contender to a top-ten seed, with their final seeding being number 6. The Cougars were red hot before they were knocked out of the Big 12 Tournament embarrassingly by Houston. BYU has a chance to redeem themselves and they are a favorite to reach the Elite Eight.
BYU started the season as an offensive powerhouse, putting big numbers on the board. However, when Big 12 play started, it became apparent that BYU's defense needed real work. BYU worked on the defense and it improved throughout the season. BYU dominated the Big 12 near the end of the season, with a double-overtime thrilled at Iowa State and a shootout at home against Utah.
BYU also has some key players on both sides of the ball. On offense, Richie Saunders was red hot, averaging 16 points per game. Defensively, Keba Keita and Fousseyni Traore were strong in the paint, making it hard for opponents to score inside. Keta had a few big fast-break blocks and kept BYU in close games.
BYU is a good team. When they are hot, they can hit three after three. BYU can also score inside, with Fouss and Keta dominating at the rim. BYU has grown a lot this year as a team and has proven themselves time and time again. BYU is a good all-around team and can make things happen. They have weapons like Egor Demin and Dallin Hall that can distribute the ball and hit shots when called upon. BYU could be a dark horse contender and is one to be feared as they try to fight for their first national title.