BYU Tops Utah in Rivalry Win, and Fans Cash In With Big-Time Shots
PROVO, Utah - Saturday night in Provo had all the ingredients of a classic college basketball showdown - ranked rivalry, a fired-up home crowd, and a performance that gave BYU fans plenty to cheer about. But this wasn’t just about the Cougars taking down Utah 91-78 and completing the season sweep. This night turned into a full-blown celebration, both on the scoreboard and on the court - and not just for the players.
The Marriott Center was rocking from the opening tip, and when Utah makes the short trip down from Salt Lake City, that energy always gets dialed up. It’s one of those rivalry games where every possession feels like it carries a little extra weight. And on Saturday, BYU made sure to own the moment.
But it wasn’t just the Cougars lighting it up. During breaks in the action, the fans took center stage - and they delivered.
First up was Thomas Davis, who stepped up during a timeout and drained a half-court shot to win $4,000. That alone would’ve been enough to send the crowd into a frenzy. But things were just getting started.
Next came BYU junior Ethan Graham, who had a 30-second window to knock down as many three-pointers as he could. He didn't waste a second.
Graham buried four straight from deep, earning himself a two-year lease on a brand-new Volkswagen Tiguan. Not bad for a half-minute of work.
Then came the final act - and maybe the most memorable one of the night. Keegan Johnson, another BYU junior, took the floor wearing a royal blue Jimmer Fredette jersey - a nod to one of the most iconic players in program history.
The stage was set. The pressure was on.
And Johnson delivered.
He stepped up and drilled a half-court shot of his own, cashing in $1,000 in tuition assistance. The crowd erupted again.
“When I let it go, I knew it looked good,” Johnson said. “It felt good, and I’m thinking that might go in, and I just banged it.
I’ve always dreamed about hitting a shot against Utah, especially. I figure that’s my one shot against Utah, so I’ll take it.”
It was one of those nights where everything clicked - on the floor, in the stands, and even during the timeouts. The Cougars took care of business against their in-state rivals, and the fans matched that energy every step of the way.
Now, all eyes turn to Monday night’s matchup against top-ranked Arizona. Johnson, like hundreds of others, was already camped out early outside the Marriott Center, hoping to ride the wave of momentum into what promises to be another electric atmosphere.
If Saturday night was any indication, BYU fans - and their team - are more than ready for the spotlight.