BYU Basketball: A Look at BYU's Remaining Games and Why Each Game Is Winnable
BYU basketball has had a historic season. So far, with a 24-2 record, they have looked impressive. In fact, many are predicting the Cougars to receive and very high two seed in the NCAA tournament. But, before Selection Sunday, BYU still has business that they need to take care of.
The remaining five games on the schedule before the conference tournament are huge games for Dave Rose and company. Should BYU go 5-0 and play well in the conference tournament, they are set to be in great condition for a deep run in March. However, the remaining games on the schedule could prove to be tougher challenges than many think.
Let's take a look at the remaining games left for BYU.
TCU: Daniel-Meyer Coliseum, Fort Worth, TX
1 of 6
The game couldn't have come at a better time for BYU. The Cougars have been battling some injuries as of late and fortunately for them, TCU shouldn't be much of a test.
However, the game is at TCU, where tickets are already sold out. There is no question that TCU wants to prove to the rest of the conference that they aren't the pushovers that many believe they are.
The crowd will be loud, louder than the Daniel-Meyer Coliseum has ever seen. Because of the way that these two football teams have battled each other in recent years, there is no love lost between these two programs. TCU will be looking to play their best game of the year.
All five starters were in double figures for the Cougars their last meeting. A very well-rounded attack will be enough to win it for the Cougars in the rematch. TCU will undoubtedly key on stopping Jimmer Fredette, so I look for Jackson Emery and Brandon Davies to have big games as the Cougars win easily in Fort Worth.
BYU wins 83-66
Colorado State: Marriott Center, Provo, UT
2 of 6
It was a close game in Ft. Collins in the first match-up between BYU and Colorado State, but in the end, the Rams got Jimmer'd. Fredette went off for 42 points. It was an uptempo game that was pretty back and forth throughout the duration of the game, but ultimately Fredette proved to be too much to handle.
The Rams are playing very good basketball and will look to upset BYU. So far this season, they have lost to BYU by nine points and to San Diego State by just two. They are thirsty for a signature win to put on their conference resume. Some believe that in order for Colorado State to make it into the tournament, they will need to beat either BYU or San Diego State.
Unfortunately for the Rams, this game will be held in Provo. BYU doesn't lose in Provo. While the Rams could have a big game in the post, they have no way to stop both Emery and Fredette. While I don't think that Fredette will go for 42 again, I do think that he will have a very big game.
My prediction: BYU wins 88-75
San Diego State: Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego, CA
3 of 6
This will undoubtedly be the toughest test for the Cougars before the Conference Tournament. On paper, this is no contest, San Diego State wins easily. Many experts are picking the Aztecs over the Cougars in a statement win to prove that they are the best team in the Mountain West Conference.
Why wouldn't the experts pick the Aztecs?
Kawhi Leonard went for 22 points and 15 rebounds last time out against BYU. Oh, and he had the flu. He will have an extremely big game for San Diego State this next time out as well. The Cougars simply have no answer for Leonard.
The Aztecs are bigger, faster, and more athletic than BYU; it should be an easy call.
But, as Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend."
The Aztecs need DJ Gay to lead their offense. When he goes, the team goes. Last game out, he was a dismal 0-for-7 against BYU. He had the assignment to guard Fredette, and maybe that is why he was so ineffective on offense. He finished the game with just two points. I don't see any reason why he will have a break out game this time against the Cougars. He will play much better than he did, but he won't be able to be the star player that he normally is.
Fredette went for 43 against the Aztecs and saw a bevy of different defenders. San Diego State had no answer for him, so why would they have one now? I think Fredette, who traditionally plays better on the road and especially in big games, will have another huge game for BYU.
However, the key to victory for the Cougars in this game: Charles Abouo. Abouo is playing the best basketball of his career, and as perhaps the Cougars most athletic player, he will need to step up big against San Diego State. I don't think he'll need to score a lot of points, but his defense and rebounding on the blocks will be what wins the game for BYU.
I also look for Jackson Emery to have a great game as the Aztec defense will be doing all they can to make sure that they don't get Jimmer'd again.
The Cougars turn some heads in this one and win 75-72.
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New Mexico: Marriott Center, Provo, UT
4 of 6
The last team to beat BYU was the New Mexico Lobos. They simply outplayed the Cougars in Albuquerque behind great shooting and great bench play. Tony Snell came through big down the stretch to help the Lobos pull away, hitting shot after shot.
Dairese Gary was able to slow down Fredette. Fredette still had 32 points, but did so on just 12-of-26 shooting.
Steve Alford seems to know something about BYU that many coaches across the country don't; he knows how to beat them. They have won the last three match ups against the Cougars and will be looking to add another signature win to their tournament resume.
Unfortunately for the Lobos, Provo is going to be as hostile as ever for this game. BYU fans felt that they should have won the game in the Pit and will be looking to be the sixth man on the floor.
Another unfortunate fact for New Mexico, is Fredette scored 32 points while he was sick. He will bounce back and have a very big game against New Mexico. He will not want to end his BYU career with four straight losses against New Mexico. I look for this to be one of the biggest games of his career.
New Mexico will battle however, they will be a very tough test. I don't think they will be able to shoot 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc while they are at Provo.
BYU wins this one 82-72
Wyoming: Marriott Center, Provo, UT
5 of 6
The final regular season game of the year for BYU will be at home against Wyoming and the worst uniforms in all of college basketball. While the Cowboys played the Cougars surprisingly well their last matchup, this game will not be close.
It will be Senior Night in Provo as the BYU faithful say good-bye to Jackson Emery and Jimmer Fredette. Because of this, Wyoming will not be stand a chance.
Fredette and Emery will look to finish up their outstanding BYU careers as the two players with the most wins in school history. They will do so in fine fashion.
Wyoming has had too much in-program drama to have what it takes to muster the upset. This one ends in a blow-out.
BYU 84-60
The Conference Tournament: Las Vegas, NV
6 of 6
Heading into the Conference Tournament BYU will be playing really well. However, this is where their luck will catch up to them. I don't see any circumstance that BYU can possibly beat San Diego State three times. I also think that should BYU match up with UNLV again, they will see their tournament come to an end.
It has been a great season for the Cougars and I really think that they will be able to finish the season strong. They have some tough tests coming up, especially at San Diego State, but Jimmer will come ready to play and he will need to have big games.
If Fredette plays well, and BYU gets decent to good play from their role players, especially Jackson Emery, I see no reason why BYU can't finish the rest of the regular season 5-0.
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