BYU outlasts Iowa State in historic Big 12 quarterfinal

BYU’s 18 triples are the second most in a single game in program history and a Big 12 championship record.

It was an offensive clinic for the Cougars, who went 18-of-36 from deep, 30-of-58 from two-point range, 18-of-21 from the charity stripe and assisted on 24 of those made shots.

That was a major contributing factor to BYU overcoming a 72-64 deficit with over 12 minutes remaining to get the comeback win. The Cougars only committed 10 turnovers compared to 29 in their win over the Cyclones a week ago.

This clutch triple from junior Richie Saunders put BYU up four with 48.9 seconds remaining.

Senior Fousseyni Traore led the bench production with 15 points while senior Trevin Knell (14 points) was a perfect 4-of-4 from deep.

Senior Curtis Jones (31 points, 11-of-22 FG) led the Cyclones with seven threes. He was one of four Iowa State starters in double figures. Although the team shot better overall (56.1 percent) and hit 13 triples, it was the lack of free throws (5-of-7) that proved costly in a tightly contested game.

For an Iowa State program that prides itself on defense, BYU’s ability to put up 96 points and score with ease was both sensational and stunning. The loss is Iowa State’s fourth in its last seven games and puts the Cyclones (24-9, 13-7 Big 12) in a potentially vulnerable situation heading into the NCAA Tournament.

BYU (24-8, 14-6 Big 12) brings a nine-game winning streak into the Big 12 semifinals on Friday night and looks like a team that is in prime position for a run in March. That was on full display with a historic performance against Iowa State on Thursday.