BYU’s 72-61 Victory Over NC State: Team Spirit and Dominance in the Paint Shine Through

The BYU Cougars bounced back strong after their first loss of the season. With an impressive 72-61 win over NC State in the Rady Children’s Invitational on Friday, they secured third place and sent a clear message about their competitive potential this season. Here are three key takeaways from this victory.

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1. Dominance in the Paint

One of the most significant factors in BYU’s victory was their dominance in the paint. The Cougars not only won the rebounding battle convincingly (45-32) but also scored 30 points in the restricted area.

Fousseyni Traore and Keba Keita: A Solid Duo

This pair combined for 16 points and 14 rebounds, forming a strong defensive wall against NC State. Traore was particularly effective with his solid defense, while Keita showcased his physicality and ability to read plays well.

Egor Demin’s Standout Performance

Egor Demin grabbed 11 rebounds—a career high—helping BYU maintain control throughout the game. Demin’s consistency not only kept the pressure on NC State but also supported his teammates in maintaining the game’s tempo.

This dominance demonstrates that BYU is making significant progress in rebounding—a critical aspect as they prepare for the tougher Big 12 competition.

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2. A Team Effort to Be Praised

BYU’s win didn’t come from individual brilliance but rather from teamwork and contributions from multiple players.

Balanced and Effective Lineup

While only two players scored in double digits, seven other Cougars contributed at least seven points each. This highlights not only the team’s depth but also their ability to work together and support each other.

Creativity on Offense

BYU recorded 17 assists on 25 made field goals, an impressive statistic that reflects their improved creativity on offense. This is a testament to the team’s progress in building an effective and cohesive system.

Better Ball Control in the Second Half

After committing nine turnovers in the first half, BYU adjusted effectively, reducing turnovers to just five in the second half. This improvement is a positive sign, showing that the team can adapt and respond quickly under pressure.

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3. Shooting Consistency: A Work in Progress

Although the Cougars started strong, hitting 9 of their first 14 three-point attempts, they only made 1 of their final 12 shots from beyond the arc. Their overall three-point shooting percentage ended at 38.5%, with a 42.4% field goal percentage for the game.

Strength: A Strong Start

BYU capitalized well on early opportunities, especially from long range. Facing an NC State team that had held opponents to just 23.6% three-point shooting, the Cougars broke through this defense with accurate early shooting.

Weakness: Inconsistency

However, their drop in shooting accuracy in the latter stages of the game is a concern. In the Big 12, lapses like this could prove costly.

A Warning Ahead of Big 12 Play

BYU’s offense is still a work in progress, particularly in maintaining consistency. The team will need to address this issue if they hope to compete in the highly demanding Big 12 conference.

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What’s Next for BYU?

The victory over NC State provides plenty of positives for BYU but also highlights some challenges.

Strengths to Build On

Dominance in rebounding and a strong team spirit are two key strengths that BYU can continue to leverage in upcoming games. Players like Fousseyni Traore, Keba Keita, and Egor Demin are showing great potential and steady performances.

Areas for Improvement

Shooting consistency, especially from long range, remains an area that needs significant improvement. The Big 12 is not just a tougher arena but one where opponents will capitalize on every mistake.

Season Outlook

Under head coach Mark Pope, BYU is gradually building a cohesive and deep roster. If they can address their current weaknesses, the Cougars have the potential to become a formidable force in the Big 12.

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The 72-61 victory over NC State not only restored BYU’s confidence after their first loss of the season but also highlighted the team’s potential. With dominance in the paint, strong teamwork, and flashes of brilliance in shooting, BYU is making strides toward becoming a competitive team.

While there is still room for improvement, particularly in offensive consistency, the Cougars have reasons to be optimistic as they face bigger challenges ahead. The Big 12 will be the true test, and if BYU continues to capitalize on its strengths, they can dream of a successful season.