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On Saturday, January 25, 2025, the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, was the stage for a dominant performance by the BYU Cougars as they hosted and decisively defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats in a Big 12 Conference matchup. This game marked a significant turnaround from the previous year's encounter, where Cincinnati pulled off a remarkable road upset against the then No. 12 Cougars.
The BYU Cougars secured a convincing 80-52 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats, highlighting their growing strength in the Big 12 Conference. The game was characterized by BYU's exceptional shooting performance, particularly in the second half. A decisive 17-5 run at the beginning of the second half gave BYU the separation they needed to control the game.
Key Facts and Analysis
Shooting Performance
BYU's shooting was nothing short of spectacular, with the team making 15-of-24 three-pointers overall, including an impressive 11-of-15 in the second half. This strong shooting display was a key factor in their victory, as it allowed them to pull away from the Bearcats. Cincinnati, despite leading for 3:17 of the first half, found themselves trailing 28-23 at halftime and were unable to recover from BYU's second-half surge.
The Cougars' ability to make difficult shots over the defense was a highlight of their performance. This consistency from beyond the arc has been a trend in their Big 12 victories, with this game being no exception. They have hit at least 10 three-pointers in each of their conference wins, showcasing their reliability and depth in shooting.
Rebounding and Defensive Efforts
Cincinnati struggled to keep pace despite having 10 offensive rebounds, a continuation of their strong rebounding trend with 12 over the last two games combined. However, BYU's defensive efforts and rebounding on the other end limited Cincinnati's second-chance opportunities. The Bearcats, who were No. 2 nationally in allowing 26.9 percent from deep before this game, found themselves on the receiving end of a shooting clinic by BYU.
First Half Dynamics
In the first half, BYU led by a slim margin of 28-23. The Bearcats had moments of control, leading for nearly four minutes, but a 3-pointer from the top of the key by BYU gave them the edge at halftime. This narrow lead set the stage for the second half, where BYU's shooting prowess would take center stage.
Expert Perspectives
Coach Wes Miller of the Cincinnati Bearcats praised BYU's shooting performance, acknowledging it as one of the best he had ever seen. Miller's comments underscore the challenge that BYU's shooting posed for the Bearcats:
"You have to give credit to BYU. Their shooting performance in the second half was difficult for us to deal with. We made some errors and spotted them some easy baskets, but they also made some difficult baskets and shots over the top. Going 11-for-15 (from deep in the second half), I don't think I've ever seen a team do that. You can play terrible defense and people don't do that."
Miller's admiration for BYU's shooting highlights the exceptional nature of their performance. BYU's players, such as Richie Saunders, Egor Demin, and Dallin Hall, have been key contributors to their success. Saunders has been performing at an All-Big 12 level, averaging 17.7 points per game in conference play and leading the Big 12 in 3-point field goal percentage with 46.3%[4].
Future Implications
Cincinnati's Road Ahead
The loss for Cincinnati keeps them at the lower end of the Big 12 standings, with a 2-5 record in conference play. This defeat is particularly significant as it follows last year's upset win by the Bearcats against the Cougars. Cincinnati's next game against the Utah Utes on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, will be crucial as they seek to improve their conference record.
Coach Wes Miller emphasized the need for his team to prepare and respond to the loss, highlighting the resilience and determination needed in college basketball:
"We have to prepare to try to win a game on Tuesday night. We can't change what happened tonight. It's college basketball, and people get their butts kicked. You have to respond. We have a group of kids that aren't gonna give in."
This upcoming game against Utah will be a test of Cincinnati's ability to bounce back from a significant loss. The Utes, fresh from their own victory over BYU in the women's basketball rivalry game, will present a formidable challenge.
BYU's Momentum
For BYU, the win improves their position in the Big 12 standings, with a 4-4 conference record. Their performance against Cincinnati underscores their growing strength in the conference and sets them up for future challenges. This victory is a testament to the team's ability to adapt and improve from last year's loss to the same opponent.
BYU's success in this game also reflects their overall team performance, including their defensive efforts and rebounding. The Cougars have shown that they can dominate games on both ends of the court, making them a formidable opponent in the Big 12.
Contrast with Last Year's Game
The contrast between this year's game and last year's upset is stark. In the previous season, Cincinnati trailed by seven at the half and 10 early in the second half but managed to suffocate and stun the No. 12 Cougars with a 71-60 victory. This year, however, BYU's strong shooting and cohesive team play ensured that there would be no such comeback.
This dynamic nature of college basketball, where teams must adapt and respond to each challenge they face, was evident in the two games. Last year's upset by Cincinnati was a testament to their resilience, while this year's dominant performance by BYU highlights the Cougars' growth and improvement.
Additional Context: Women's Basketball Rivalry
The weekend also saw an intense rivalry game in women's basketball between BYU and Utah. In this matchup, Utah came out victorious, pulling away in the fourth quarter to earn an 81-76 victory in Provo. This game was marked by Utah's junior guard Gianna Kneepkens scoring a career-high 32 points, including seven straight free throws in the final minutes to secure the win[2][3].
This women's game mirrored the men's game in terms of intensity and competitive spirit, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. For BYU, the loss in the women's game, combined with the men's victory, highlights the mixed fortunes of the Cougars in their Big 12 Conference campaign.
Conclusion
The BYU Cougars' victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats was a testament to their strong shooting and overall team performance. As both teams move forward in the Big 12 Conference, the implications of this game will be significant. Cincinnati must regroup and prepare for their upcoming game against Utah, while BYU will look to build on their momentum.
The contrast between this year's game and last year's upset highlights the dynamic nature of college basketball, where teams must adapt and respond to each challenge they face. The performances of both teams underscore the competitive spirit and resilience that define the sport.
In the broader context, these games reflect the evolving landscape of the Big 12 Conference, where teams are constantly pushing each other to new heights. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both Cincinnati and BYU navigate their respective paths, each seeking to make a significant impact in the conference standings.
