BYU Cougars outrebounded and outpaced Kansas State Wildcats 40-31 and 40-30 in the paint, securing an 80-65 win that snapped the Wildcats’ six-game winning streak. Richie Saunders tallied his first career double-double with 17 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. Fousseyni Traore added 11 points, while Keba Keita recorded nine points, 11 boards, and a career-best five blocked shots.
The Cougars dominated the paint, collecting 14 offensive rebounds to pace 11 second-chance points. Dallin Hall contributed 16 points and three assists, including a late 3-pointer from freshman Egor Demin that helped BYU reach the 80-point mark. BYU coach Kevin Young praised his team’s defensive execution in the first half, while also acknowledging Dallin Hall’s impact in the second half.
Kansas State coach Jerome Tang acknowledged that BYU was the better team, praising the Cougars’ physicality and assertiveness. Traore had a strong game off the bench, adding 10 points and four rebounds. The Cougars improved to 17-8 and 8-6 in Big 12 play, with their next matchup against Kansas on Tuesday.
BYU’s victory extends its winning streak, and the team will look to continue its success against the Jayhawks on Tuesday night at the Marriott Center.
Source: https://www.ksl.com/article/51254539/byu-basketball-upends-kansas-states-6-game-winning-streak-with-80-65-win