In a thrilling showdown at the T-Mobile Center, BYU's run in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament came to an end as they fell to No. 5 Houston, 73-66. Despite a strong first half, the Cougars couldn't hold off a determined Houston team that surged in the second half to secure their spot in the semifinals.
BYU head coach Kevin Young acknowledged Houston's performance, emphasizing their ability to capitalize on key moments. "Credit to Houston.
They played a good game. They deserved to win," Young stated, highlighting the pivotal role of offensive rebounds and turnovers in the game's outcome.
Kingston Flemings, in particular, made a significant impact with a crucial play down the stretch.
Leading the charge for BYU was freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa, who dazzled with a game-high 26 points, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Dybantsa's performance marked his 27th game scoring 20 or more points this season, tying him with BYU legends Devin Durrant and Michael Smith.
Keba Keita was a force on the boards, nearly achieving a double-double with 13 rebounds and eight points. His efforts on the offensive glass were notable, tying him for the third most offensive rebounds in a conference tournament game in program history.
Turnovers were a double-edged sword for both teams, each capitalizing on the other's mistakes to score 19 points. However, it was Houston's prowess in converting second-chance opportunities that gave them the edge, with 19 points coming from such plays.
The game began with Houston taking an early lead, but BYU responded with a spirited 8-3 run, fueled by Dybantsa and Robert Wright III. Despite some early turnovers, BYU managed to keep the score close and even took a 41-37 lead into halftime, a first against Houston since joining the Big 12.
The second half saw Houston come out firing, quickly erasing BYU's lead with a pair of three-pointers. BYU's scoring droughts proved costly, allowing Houston to regain control. Despite Dybantsa's efforts to keep BYU in the game, Houston's defense and timely shooting, particularly from Kingston Flemings and Emmanuel Sharp, sealed the victory.
As the clock wound down, BYU's late surge, including a 3-pointer from Dybantsa, wasn't enough to overcome Houston's advantage. With this win, Houston moves on, while BYU reflects on a hard-fought battle and looks ahead to future opportunities.