No. 10 BYU (23-10, 11-9 Big 12) will face No. 2 Houston (26-5, 14-4 Big 12) in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. BYU has been one of the best tournament stories so far, but this could be its stiffest test yet. Houston, on the other hand, is well rested, has an elite defense, and has already beaten BYU once this season.
Will AJ Dybantsa and Co. make it up against Houston for a deep tournament run? Let’s find out.
BYU vs Houston Prediction
BYU has been on a roll this season, with AJ Dybantsa setting the Big 12 Tournament freshman record with a 40-point showing against Kansas. He then followed it up with another 27 points in the win against West Virginia. The freshman sensation leads the nation in scoring at 24.7 points per game and is on track to be the first underclassman to lead the nation in scoring since 2021. But the BYU isn’t well rested enough, given that this would be their third game in three days.
Houston averages 77.6 points per game offensively and allows just 62.7 points defensively. Freshman Kingston Flemings is averaging 16.5 points and 5.4 assists per game for the Cougars, and senior Emanuel Sharp brings in size, shooting and experience on the backcourt. BYU’s main concern could be with Houston leading the nation in turnover margin, wherein the Cougars might have to be cautious against being careless with the ball.
Houston is the favorite to win this matchup, and the case for the Cougars covering comes down to Dybantsa continuing with his dominant run. But fatigue can be real, and BYU simply does not have the depth to sustain three gruelling games in three days against a program that is elite defensively. ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates a 74.2% chance for Houston to win this matchup.
BYU vs Houston Lineups
BYU Lineup
- AJ Dybantsa
- Robert Wright III
- Kennard Davis Jr.
- Keba Keita
- Khadim Mboup
Houston Lineup
- Kingston Flemings
- Emanuel Sharp
- Milos Uzan
- Chris Cenac Jr.
- Joseph Tugler
BYU vs Houston Injury Report
For BYU, Richie Saunders remains out for the season with a torn ACL. He suffered this injury during a February matchup against Colorado, cutting short a potential All-Big 12 caliber season for Saunders. Saunders was averaging 18.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game on 48.9% shooting until his injury late in the season. The fatigue from back-to-back games could be a concern, and BYU will need every healthy body available tonight.
For Houston, the squad appears to be coming in full health for this matchup. Ramon Walker Jr. is back on the team after missing time due to an ankle injury earlier this season. Emanuel Shar, who dealt with a foot ligament issue in January, has been healthy and effective down the stretch.
Read More:
No. 1 NBA Draft Prospect AJ Dybantsa Makes His Feelings Clear After Getting Snubbed for Big 12 Honor
5 Devastating NCAAB Injuries That Ended Seasons Ahead of March Madness ft. Caleb Wilson
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