BYU vs Utah recap: Offensive woes continue to plague the Cougars

Kevin Young's first chapter in the historic BYU-Utah rivalry didn't end how he, or any BYU fans, had hoped. He has expressed his interest in making his mark on the series, which BYU still leads 134-131 all-time.

Both teams entered the game limping through Big 12 play, each with a record of 2-3. Everybody knew from the get-go that this would likely be a tough game for both sides, due to the history and hatred involved. This addition to the series certainly didn't disappoint.

BYU found itself ahead early, but a big run lead by transfer forward Ezra Ausar (who finished with 26 points) put the Utes squarely back into the game. Utah took the early in the second half, and didn't relinquish it until the overtime period.

Fousseyni Traore hit a huge putback layup to tie the game with 9 seconds remaining and send it to overtime, but the Cougars were unable to finish the job in the extra period.

Offensive Struggles

BYU has continued to struggle shooting the ball, a fact that has haunted them in several games this season.

The free throw disparity was a huge problem in this game (thanks Tony Padilla), but regardless the level of talent on this BYU roster is capable of much higher shooting percentages. The inability to put the ball in the basket, particularly late in the game, is what cost BYU a pivotal contest. Notably, star freshmen Egor Demin and Kanon Catchings shot a combined 5-18 from the field.

Truly all other signs point to BYU winning this game. It had fewer turnovers, more offensive rebounds, more shots, and frankly more talent. Utah missed four consecutive foul shots in the overtime period, and BYU answered with a whopping 0 points and was unable to extend its lead.

Utah extends a miraculous streak of winning overtime games against BYU, as there have been 17 such games in the series. Utah has now won 13 of those contests.

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