BYU defeats Arizona St 104-76
BYU Dominates Arizona State in Conference Thriller
In a statement win, the BYU Cougars dismantled their conference rivals, Arizona State Sun Devils, 104-76 at Marriott Center on Thursday night.
The Cougars came into this matchup looking to assert their dominance in the Mountain West Conference and they made it clear from the opening tip. The difference in performance was stark, with the home team controlling every facet of the game.
At halftime, BYU led 45-30, setting the tone for a dominating second half that would see them build a 38-point cushion. The Sun Devils struggled to find their rhythm, committing turnovers and missing crucial shots.
For Richie Saunders, it was another night to remember. The sophomore guard exploded for 31 points, including six three-pointers, while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out five assists. His all-around performance showcased his growth as one of the top players in the conference.
The statistics tell a similar story, with BYU's field goal percentage sitting at 57.0% to Arizona State's 38.0%. The Cougars' ability to control the boards was also telling, as they outrebounded their opponents 40-37.
BYU's defense was stifling, holding the Sun Devils to just 28 points in the first half and ultimately forcing them into a season-worst performance. Meanwhile, the Cougars' offense clicked on all cylinders, with Richie Saunders leading the way.
The margin of victory may not have been the largest lead, but it did indicate the extent of the difference between these two teams. The Cougars' 28-point win provides significant momentum for their conference push.
Key Takeaways:
- BYU's balanced attack proved too much for Arizona State to handle.
- Richie Saunders was instrumental in the Cougars' victory, showcasing his skills as a scorer and playmaker.
- The Cougars' defense played a crucial role in limiting the Sun Devils to just 38.0% shooting.
Advanced Statistics:
- eFG%: BYU (68.9%), Arizona State (42.6%)
- True Shooting%: BYU (72.2%), Arizona State (46.6%)
- FT Rate: BYU (41.0%), Arizona State (23.0%)