Texas basketball faced another setback as they faltered in the second half, ultimately succumbing to No. 21 BYU with a final score of 84-72 in a challenging away game in Provo, Utah. Despite entering the second half with only a three-point deficit, the Longhorns allowed the match to slip away, transforming the close competition into a 17-point advantage for BYU with 8:30 left in the game.
The primary culprit behind this drastic turn of events was the glaring issue of defense, or rather, the lack thereof.
BYU exploited the weaknesses in Texas’ defense effortlessly, capitalizing on multiple face cuts and lapses in coverage to secure easy points.
The Cougars showcased a formidable offense, boasting a 64% success rate in field goals and a 41.2% accuracy from three-point range. Five players from BYU achieved double-digit scores in the game.
Despite the defeat, graduate forward Dylan Disu emerged as the leading scorer for both teams, contributing a commendable 19 points and securing seven rebounds.
Sophomore guard Chendall Weaver also showcased a standout performance for Texas, registering 15 points, 5 offensive rebounds, and two steals.
Weaver’s signature move of dunking the ball off a missed shot and promptly returning to defensive duties added a touch of flair to the game.
The raucous atmosphere in the Cougar arena played a significant role in dampening the Longhorns’ spirits. Despite being aware of BYU’s fervent crowd, experiencing it firsthand proved to be challenging.
The Marriott Center was packed with passionate BYU fans, creating an intimidating sea of blue and white.
The crowd’s visual disruptions, including large cutouts of hypnotic swirls, contributed to the difficulty of the game, with Texas recording a lower-than-normal 62.5% success rate from the free-throw line.
Head coach Rodney Terry acknowledged the formidable nature of BYU’s home court advantage, citing it as one of the most challenging places to play in the country.
Looking ahead, Texas faces a daunting task as they prepare to take on No. 4 Houston at home on January 29.
The upcoming matchup against a strong opponent adds to the uncertainty of the Longhorns’ season, making it crucial for them to replicate the performance they displayed against Baylor at home just one week prior.
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