It’s official: Kevin Young is undefeated in Big 12 play.
Young’s BYU squad opened the conference portion of its schedule Tuesday against Arizona State, earning a convincing 76-56 win over the Sun Devils in Provo.
3 takeaways
Richie Saunders played one of the best games of his career. Returning to the floor for the first time since suffering a concussion on Dec. 14, Saunders looked far from rusty.
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He led the Cougars in scoring with 30 points — a personal best — and made 6 of 11 shots from 3-point range.
Additionally, Saunders grabbed six rebounds and provided his standard defensive tenacity with a block, steal and five stops.
BYU dominates Arizona State in Provo. Cougars improve to 10-2
Richie Saunders is among the most underrated players in the sport — 30 points on 11-18 and 6-11 from 3 in the win. Doesn’t get talked about nearly enough.
BYU looked much more capable defensively. The Cougars held Arizona State to 56 points, 37% shooting from the field and a 21% from 3-point range — all far cries from the Sun Devils’ previous season averages of 78.5 points and shooting clips of 45.9% and 38.5%, respectively.
Egor Demin and Dallin Hall each swiped a pair of steals, while Saunders, Keba Keita and Kanon Catchings each recorded blocks.
The Cougars also continued their dominance on the boards, winning the rebounding battle by a 38-28 margin.
Egor Demin continued to struggle. He did enjoy a few solid flashes in his first appearance since Dec. 3, but Demin’s performance against Arizona State still felt somewhat concerning.
BYU Cougars forward Mawot Mag (0) and Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jayden Quaintance (21) compete for possession of a loose ball during an NCAA men’s basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) drives the ball toward the basket while guarded by Arizona State Sun Devils guard Joson Sanon (3) and guard Amier Ali (5) during an NCAA men’s basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU Cougars center Fousseyni Traore (45) pulls down an offensive rebound while guarded by Arizona State Sun Devils center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9) and guard Alston Mason (1) during an NCAA men’s basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) blocks a shot from Arizona State Sun Devils guard Alston Mason (1) during an NCAA men’s basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) takes and makes a three-pointer while guarded by Arizona State Sun Devils guard Amier Ali (5) for Saunders’ 30th points during an NCAA men’s basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) shoots the ball while guarded by Arizona State Sun Devils guard Adam Miller (44) during an NCAA men’s basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU Cougars players surround forward Richie Saunders (15) after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils during an NCAA men’s basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) high-fives fans after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils during an NCAA men’s basketball game held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The talented freshman scored four points on 2-of-8 shooting — including a 0-for-5 mark from distance. Demin did lead BYU with seven assists on the afternoon, but his stat line included an ugly five turnovers.
In his past three contests, Demin has averaged just six points and shot 5 for 25 from the field and 0 for 12 from 3-point range. As the Cougars embark down the difficult road of Big 12 play, snapping Demin out of his current slump is a top priority.
