BYU basketball was adequately challenged during their championship run through the ESPN Events Invitational. If the team isn't able to meet its ultimate goals in March, Cougar fans should take some solace in the fact that this team technically won a championship back in November.
Well, welcome to December, everybody. This is the final month before Big 12 in-conference play commences, where the team will be challenged by some of the very best rosters, coaches, and programs in all of college basketball on a weekly basis. Houston, Arizona, Texas Tech, just to uncover the tip of the monstrous iceberg.
In the month of December, though, BYU basketball won't be entirely out of harm's way, either. Clemson awaits in the Jimmy V Classic next week, marking one final test to see if BYU can weather the Power 5 storm before a largely straightforward final stretch. This battle with Cal Baptist will be the final tune-up before the Tigers and Cougars square off.
If this team truly believes it can compete in the toughest league in basketball, they'll need to iron out the wrinkles that have appeared this far into the year. Namely, the first half offensive inconsistency and a lack of bench production. Against Dayton in the championship game, Kevin Young's reserves provided a whopping zero points, essentially handing the basketball to Richie Saunders and hoping the heartbeat of this team could push their lead over the edge. That worked against Dayton; it will not fly in league play.
Football is winding down, and basketball is heating up. They call this the most wonderful time of the year for a reason.
How to watch BYU vs Cal Baptist:
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM MT
Location: Marriott Center, Provo, UT
Channel: ESPN+