In a stunning turn of events, BYU’s basketball team delivered a masterclass performance in their Big 12 tournament quarterfinal against No. 12 Iowa State, outlasting the Cyclones 96-92 in an electrifying contest at T-Mobile Center. Nine days after a humiliating defeat in which they committed 29 turnovers, the Cougars showed remarkable resilience and tactical adjustment, committing just 10 turnovers this time, flipping the script on their previous poor performance. But it wasn’t just their ball control that stole the show; BYU’s historic display from beyond the arc left fans and analysts alike in disbelief.
The Cougars buried a season-high 18 three-pointers, a feat that felt more like a statement than a strategy. Their sharpshooters—led by senior guard Spencer Johnson, who drained six from deep—wasted no time exploiting Iowa State’s defense, stretching the floor and forcing the Cyclones into uncomfortable matchups. Every time Iowa State seemed poised to mount a comeback, BYU seemed to answer with another pinpoint three-pointer, one after another, draining the hopes of the highly-ranked opponent.
The contrast in styles was evident from the tip-off. Iowa State, typically known for their stifling defense and efficient ball movement, found themselves on the back foot, chasing shadows as the Cougars rained down threes with surgical precision. Each possession felt like a ticking clock for Iowa State, whose attempts to adjust defensively came too little, too late. They threw different looks at BYU—switching between man-to-man and zone defenses—but the Cougars were unfazed, moving the ball quickly, and finding open shooters at every turn.
However, the story of the game was more than just long-range shooting. It was also about redemption and resolve. After an uncharacteristically sloppy performance in their previous matchup against Iowa State, BYU showed maturity beyond its years. Their ability to control the ball—cutting their turnovers nearly in half—demonstrated the mental fortitude of a team that had learned from its mistakes. It was clear that head coach Mark Pope had drilled the fundamentals into his players after the 29-turnover debacle, and the Cougars’ newfound discipline was critical in holding off Iowa State’s late surge.
But while BYU thrived from the outside, Iowa State’s offensive firepower was equally potent, with star forward Jaren Holmes keeping his team alive with a strong 25-point performance. However, despite a valiant effort, the Cyclones couldn’t overcome the three-point barrage nor their defensive lapses. Iowa State had no answers for BYU’s perimeter shooting, and their inability to impose their will defensively ultimately proved to be their undoing.
The game was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of March basketball. Just a week earlier, BYU had been a team teetering on the brink, struggling with turnovers and cohesion. Now, they appeared as though they had been reborn, revitalized by the realization that their previous mistakes were the key to their success in this game. Whether the Cougars can continue this level of play throughout the tournament remains to be seen, but Thursday’s performance is sure to serve as a huge confidence booster.
For Iowa State, this loss is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite being ranked in the top 15 and boasting one of the best defenses in the country, they fell victim to an explosive shooting display that many would have thought impossible against a team of their caliber. The Cyclones’ defense, once their calling card, looked uncharacteristically vulnerable. Their inability to contest shots from beyond the arc will likely be a point of contention moving forward, especially as the tournament progresses.
In the end, BYU’s victory was a testament to the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where redemption and resilience can coalesce into something special. With a stunning 18 three-pointers, a drastically reduced turnover count, and a sheer will to win, the Cougars emerged from the shadows of their previous loss, leaving Iowa State to ponder what might have been.
