In an electrifying performance, BYU basketball secured a resounding victory against Arizona State, defeating them 88-70 in their Big 12 opener. The game, held on December 29, showcased the Cougars’ strong offense led by standout performances from senior guard Rudi Williams, who contributed 23 points, and sophomore forward Noah Waterman, who added another 22 points. BYU’s offense was particularly effective from beyond the arc, sinking 15 three-pointers, and maintaining a strong 60% shooting from the field.
Head Coach Mark Pope expressed pride in his team’s performance. ‘I thought our guys did an unbelievable job of coming into a really tough environment and putting it on the line,’ he stated. The Cougars established dominance early, outscoring the Sun Devils 48-36 by halftime.
In addition, BYU sophomore Egor Demin faced a challenging game as he continued to recover from a recent injury, alongside teammate Richie Saunders who is also dealing with a setback that left him sidelined for the match. Coach Pope commented on the depth of the team, emphasizing, ‘We have guys who are ready to step up when their number is called.’ The team is hopeful about their next matchup amidst murmurs of positive recovery updates for both injured players.
BYU’s star forward Kevin Young reflected on the game, stating, ‘This win gives us confidence as we prepare for the upcoming games.’ Young highlighted the importance of teamwork that led to their successful performance, insisting that maintaining this momentum will be crucial as they progress in the Big 12 conference.
Looking ahead, BYU is poised to continue their competitive streak in the Big 12, fueled by their impressive opening win and the potential return of their injured players. The victory marks an important step for the Cougars as they aim for a successful season in their new conference.
