The Cougars are no stranger to close games. BYU was expected to win big but poor free throw shooting mixed with a struggling crunch-time defense. The Cougars bent but didn't break, holding off a late push by the Highlanders and giving head coach Kevin Young his second win as a Cougar. The game was far from pretty, and the Cougars had spells where they were missing shots and struggled defensively, but in the end, they found a way to win. The final score was 86-80.
BYU is now 2-0, sitting second in the Big 12. Even though it is early, BYU shows real promise. Egor Demin had 20 points and seven assists, leading the team in both categories. Add on ten rebounds for Keba Keita and the Cougars got it done when it mattered most. BYU once again outrebounded the opponent, collecting 39 boards compared to the Highlander's 31. BYU also blocked seven of UC Riverside's shots, including a highlight reel block from Kanon Catchings to deny Niyi Olabode an easy bucket.
BYU started the game red hot, going on a 16-3 run. The Highlanders then went on a run of their own and brought the game level. BYU would then pull away again, only for UC Riverside to bring it right back. The Cougars would then end the half with a beautiful dunk by Egor Demin, energizing the BYU crowd.
BYU started the second half the same way it started the first. The Cougars started hitting shots and forcing turnovers. Egor Demin was finishing inside and finding open teammates for three-point jumpers. Once again, UC Riverside would fight back into the game, tying it up several times. BYU would then deny any attempts by the Highlanders to take the lead, with big turnovers and great passing, setting up great shots.
BYU would pull away again near the end, with UC Riverside fouling around the 1:30 mark. BYU would struggle to make free throws and the Highlanders would sneak back again. BYU however, would hold strong and make a few clutch free throws to extend the lead to seven. With 0.1 seconds left, UC Riverside's Nate Pickens launched a three-pointer and got a shooting foul. He would miss two of three free throws and the clock expired on the BYU inbound, giving the Cougars their second victory of the season.
Even without Dallin Hall, BYU showed a strong offense, shooting 53.2% from the field, and while the three-pointers and free throws were not falling, BYU's defense showed why they are worth the hype, securing 10 turnovers that led to 15 points. BYU also secured 11 offensive rebounds and 48 points in the paint, while racking up 15 assists. BYU also never trailed in the game, leading by as much as 17.
BYU's ROC tried to distract the Highlanders free-throw shooters but to no avail. The Highlanders shot 82.6 percent from the line compared to BYU's 53.8 percent. Neither side was consistent from three, missing some golden opportunities. BYU found a way to hit clutch shots when it mattered, including a dunk by Keita with 1:19 left on the clock.
Demin and Keita combined for 34 of BYU's 86 points, making the big shots when it mattered. BYU also made huge defensive plays and played lockdown defense at the end of the game, keeping UC Riverside from making it any closer.
For UC Riverside, Kaleb Smith led the team in scoring with 20 points while Barrington Hargress led with five assists. UC Riverside had a good game, with free throws going in and 43.1% shooting from the field.
BYU's next game will be Wednesday, November 13th at 7 pm at the Marriot Center. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.