BYU lost a 21-point lead and still held on to beat Iowa State in Ames for the first time.
What a game. BYU lost a 21-point lead but held on in overtime. The Cougars got their first win in Ames and stuck with it from start to finish. BYU has won seven in a row and has a chance at a double-bye in the Big 12 Tournament. The number 23 Cougars are on fire, and they look unstoppable.
The first half started slow for the Cougars. BYU didn’t score for the first six and a half minutes and trailed for a large portion of the half. BYU eventually found their groove near the end of the half and ended up with a nine-point lead at the break.
The second half would start opposite of the first half, with BYU dominating. The Cougars would build a 21-point lead before the Cyclones would come back to tie it. BYU’s game-winning shot attempt would fall short and the game would go to overtime.
Overtime would be back and forth, with both teams trading shots. BYU would get a pair of late free throws and make them both, giving the Cougars a two-point lead. The Cyclones would draw a shooting foul but miss the shot, leaving the door open for BYU. Both free throws would be good and the game would go to double overtime.
BYU would start hot in overtime, building a small lead. Once again, Iowa State crawled back. BYU got the ball with a few seconds to go and drew a foul. Dallin Hall made one of two free throws, and the Cougars led by three with a second to go. The Cyclones would throw up a desperate heave but it would be way off target and the Cougars won 88-85.
Richie Saunders led all scorers with 23 points, and Dallin Hall added 22 points and three assists. Keba Keita grabbed ten rebounds and blocked three shots. BYU had 29 turnovers and struggled to keep control of the ball. BYU will have to clean those up before they play Utah on Saturday.
BYU will be back in action Saturday night against rival Utah. That game is at 8 pm and will be broadcast on ESPNU.
Good job Jake!
Thank you!