BYU falls to TCU despite Richie Saunders' 26-point performance

In a recent college basketball match on January 14, 2025, BYU Cougars faced the TCU Horned Frogs in a closely contested game that ended with BYU losing 71-67. One standout player from BYU was Richie Saunders, who scored an impressive 26 points. Following this defeat, BYU was set to host the Oklahoma State Cowboys at their home in Provo, Utah. The matchup would occur later that week, marking the first meeting of the season between the two teams in Big 12 play. BYU held a favorable 8-1 record at home, hoping to leverage this advantage against a struggling Oklahoma State team that had a record of 1-3 in conference play and 9-6 overall. BYU's performance in recent games has been inconsistent, averaging 75.2 points over their last 10 games but struggling in critical moments, which contributed to their recent loss against TCU. In addition to Saunders' performance, the team also featured key players such as Egor Demin, who was averaging 11.1 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. In contrast, Oklahoma State’s Marchelus Avery was averaging 12.6 points, leading his team as they dealt with their own challenges. The game against Oklahoma State posed several key matchups for BYU. Their ability to score in the paint was highlighted, as they ranked eighth in the Big 12 for points scored in this area. Defensive statistics indicated that Oklahoma State struggled against opposing offenses, allowing an average of 73.3 points per game while BYU allowed only 66.5. This highlighted the potential for BYU to capitalize on their scoring ability as they prepared for the upcoming game. Both teams sought to improve their standings in the competitive Big 12 conference, making this matchup crucial for their season. As BYU prepped for Oklahoma State, it was clear that the Cougars had the home court advantage and an encouraging record while Oklahoma State would need to rebound quickly after a tough start in the conference. The buildup to this game featured a mix of pressure for BYU to perform and the expectation of Oklahoma State to address their recent struggles. Fans looked forward to seeing how the game would unfold, especially after the notable performances in prior matchups.