BYU guard Trevin Knell (21) celebrates after sinking a 3-point shot as BYU meets SE Louisiana at the Marriott Center in Provo. Knell contributed 15 points in BYU’s win over NC State on Nov. 24. | Photo credit goes to Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.
BYU’s launch of three-pointers has been pivotal. They rose to the occasion and won the Vegas Showdown against NC State, demonstrating resilience to secure a 95-86 victory. Despite a slow start, BYU ended up nailing nine three-pointers in the second half. The Cougars quickly bounced back to take home the win, staying undefeated at 6-0.
Mark Pope, head coach of BYU, expressed his optimism, acknowledging the potential of his team and their ability to adapt and play assertively during games. Dallin Hall and Jaxon Robinson’s unmatched performances fueled an 11-0 run, enabling Trevin Knell to seal the team’s victory with another three-pointer. Robinson achieved a career-high with 23 points, while Noah Waterman was named Tournament MVP with 15 points. Moreover, Aly Khalifa, a 6-11 junior, made a noteworthy comeback, contributing significantly to BYU’s victory.
In the end, BYU’s growth and prowess were evident as they outshone NC State, leading to the ejection of key opposing players and their coach, Kevin Keatts.
Notably, after a sluggish start, inspired plays by the bench players kept the Cougars within reach. Despite injuries and initial challenges, BYU’s resilience prevailed, leading to their success.
Coach Pope is set to face Fresno State on Dec. 1, after gaining momentum with November’s definitive wins. As for the sparking of recovery and solidifying positions, Pope’s ability to empower his team has made a significant impact, even leading the team to the top 25 rankings.
Notably, this victory mirrors the team’s glorious past, reminiscent of earlier wins and achievements. BYU’s recent exploits have echoes of their past successes, much like their awe-inspiring season in which they triumphed in the clutch.
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.