
BYU’s men’s basketball team suffered a 71-67 defeat against TCU on January 11, 2025, marking their third consecutive loss in the Big 12 Conference.
The Cougars held a 37-34 lead at halftime but struggled in the second half, shooting just 37.5% from the field and committing eight turnovers.
Richie Saunders was a standout performer for BYU, scoring 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Despite Saunders’ efforts, the rest of the team combined for only 41 points, highlighting a lack of offensive support.
Turnovers were a significant issue for BYU, with 16 giveaways leading to 17 points for TCU.
In contrast, the Horned Frogs committed just six turnovers.
This disparity in ball control proved costly, as BYU’s mistakes allowed TCU to capitalize and maintain momentum.
The Cougars did have success on the boards, outrebounding TCU 35-24, including a 28-6 advantage on the defensive glass.Â
However, their inability to convert these opportunities into points, coupled with their turnover woes, negated the benefits of their rebounding efforts.
In the game’s final moments, BYU’s offense faltered, failing to make a field goal in the last 3:10.
This scoring drought allowed TCU to seize control, with Noah Reynolds scoring a crucial layup with 24 seconds remaining to give the Horned Frogs a 69-67 lead.
BYU’s subsequent possession resulted in a missed off-balance three-point attempt by freshman Egor Demin, sealing their fate.
This loss extends BYU’s struggles on the road and highlights recurring issues with turnovers and late-game execution
Head coach Kevin Young acknowledged the problem, stating, “If I had to point to one thing, though, it would be turnovers. We’ve got to trim the fat with the turnovers. We’ve got to be better there.”
The Cougars will need to address these concerns promptly as they prepare to host Oklahoma State in their next conference matchup.
The upcoming game presents an opportunity for BYU to halt their losing streak and regain confidence.
However, to do so, they must improve their ball-handling, support standout players like Saunders with a more balanced offensive attack, and execute more effectively in clutch situations.
As the season progresses, the Cougars’ ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be crucial in determining their success within the highly competitive Big 12 Conference.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if BYU can make the necessary adjustments to turn their season around and compete at the level expected of them.