The Brigham Young University Cougars (BYU) have reached the Sweet Sixteen for only the third time in program history.
Their last appearance in that round was in 2011, when they defeated Wofford and Gonzaga before losing to Florida 89-73 in overtime. Since then, the Cougars had been unable to advance past the first round of the tournament, with their only tournament win occurring in the 2012 First Four against Iona.
However, this year was different for them. With former head coach Mark Pope leaving for Kentucky, many expected BYU to take a step back. However, first-year coach Kevin Young has been able to develop players well and has seen immediate results as the team won 26 games during the regular season. With the Cougars 80-71 first round victory over Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Young became the first coach in BYU basketball history to win a tournament game in his first season.
Following the program’s first round victory, they faced the Wisconsin Badgers in the second round. Many expected the Badgers well-balanced team to overwhelm the Cougars as they ranked 13th in offensive efficiency and 24th in defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, BYU ranked ninth in offensive efficiency and 69th in defensive efficiency.
While the Cougars started the game fast, the Badgers came roaring back. An ejection from Cougars guard Dawson Baker sparked a 13-5 Wisconsin run that gave them a way back into the game. With 13 seconds remaining, the Badgers had the ball with a chance to force overtime. However, a defensive stop from Cougars forward Mawot Mag allowed them to hold on and advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2011.
In the Sweet Sixteen, the Cougars will face the Alabama Crimson Tide on Mar. 27. The Crimson Tide have been dominant in both rounds of the tournament, defeating Robert Morris and Saint Mary’s to reach this point. It will be an interesting test for the Cougars as they look to continue to defy the odds.
