No. 25 BYU Basketball Tops No. 11 Baylor for Critical Win
It was one of those magical nights in the Marriott Center. While every game at the Marriott Center is a great atmosphere, every once in a while a game comes along that is just that much louder, that much more electric, and that much more memorable. Like Jimmer against Kawaii, like BYU-Gonzaga on Senior night. It was one of those nights. On Tuesday evening, no. 25 BYU took down no. 11 Baylor in front of a sold-out crowd 78-71. BYU hit 14 threes, overcoming a 21-9 free throw disparity and a 49% shooting night from the Bears.
BYU shared the ball and protected the ball at the same time. The Cougars had 20 assists to just 7 turnovers. BYU also created a lot of second chance opportunities. BYU outrebounded Baylor 39-30. Most importantly, BYU had 16 offensive rebounds to Baylor's 7. The Cougars were +16 in second chance points.
The Cougars were led by big man Aly Khalifa. Khalifa was simply outstanding with 14 points on 5/7 shooting, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, and no turnovers. Baylor got off to a hot start, but it was Aly Khalifa's shooting that kept BYU in the game early on. Baylor had no answers for Khalifa's passing ability.
Jaxson Robinson and Trevin Knell had 13 points each for BYU. Robinson, like he has done so many times over the last two weeks, had a critical three to help BYU close out the win. Baylor cut BYU's lead to five with under two minutes remaining. Robinson responded with a clutch three to extend the lead to eight. BYU never looked back.
Trevin Knell looked like the pre-injury version of himself against the Bears. After a slow start, Knell finished with 13 points on 5/11 shooting. It was his first game with three or more threes since he was injured earlier this year. If Knell can shoot like he did before his injury, BYU's offense can reach the level it was at earlier this year.
The BYU is now 7-6 in conference play. This was a critical game for BYU who was coming off a tough loss at Oklahoma State. BYU will hit the road to take on Kansas State on Saturday.
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