Baylor's Jalen Bridges Says Marriott Center is 'Right Up There' with Kansas and Texas Tech

On Tuesday night, no. 25 BYU basketball took down no. 11 Baylor in front of a sellout crowd. After the game, Baylor senior forward Jalen Bridges was asked about the environment at the Marriott Center. "It was rocking in here I'm not even going to lie to you," Bridges said. "It's right up with Texas Tech and Kansas honestly."

The Allen Fieldhouse, where Kansas plays, is known as one of the loudest environments in college basketball. Texas Tech has also become one of the most intimidating venues in the sport. The Marriott Center has always been one of the best environments in college basketball, but games against the likes of Pepperdine and Pacific didn't bring out the arena's full potential. BYU's Big 12 affiliation has allowed the Cougars to host more marquee opponents - and the Marriott Center magic has returned as a result.

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BYU senior Spencer Johnson was asked about the crowd and their impact on the game. "It's huge," Johnson said. "When we go on the road, these other places their gyms aren't as big as ours, and they can get some people in there and it can get loud, but it doesn't get as loud there as it does here. So we're super grateful for our fans. Everyone that came out - we love you guys."

With the win over Baylor, BYU is now 14-2 at home. The Cougars' dominance at home is a major reason why BYU is now viewed as a lock for the NCAA tournament by ESPN.

On Saturday, BYU leaves the friendly confines of the Marriott Center to take on Kansas State in Kansas. Then BYU will stay in Kansas to take on the Kansas Jayhawks the following Tuesday.

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