BYU Basketball Could Crack the Top 25 With a Dominant Win Against Mississippi Valley on Saturday

Talmage Morgan | Nov 18, 2024

Rebecca Fuentes | BYU Photo

BYU hoops is the real deal. While we still haven't seen the Cougars face a true test in their four nonconference matchups, we've seen what happens when they decide to turn up the heat. Just take a look at last week's game against Idaho - what was a four-point game at halftime turned into a 24-point blowout.

We've seen moments when teams have pulled within a few points, but Egor Demin and company know how to put teams away when it counts. Demin was recognized as the Big 12 newcomer of the week for the second-straight week.

November 1⃣8⃣ #Big12MBB Co-Newcomer of the Week 🏅

Egor Demin | @BYUMBB pic.twitter.com/WEcMzU538C

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) November 18, 2024

This week, the Cougars face off against Mississippi Valley State. Mississippi Valley has struggled this season against Quad 1 and Quad 2 opponents. In fact, the Delta Devils have not scored more than 44 points in any of the three Quad 1 and Quad 2 games they have played so far. This is a chance for BYU to take control early and run away with the game.

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 pic.twitter.com/rNRNnC5OOP

— BYU Men's Basketball (@BYUMBB) November 18, 2024

On Saturday, look for Kevin Young to spread the minutes among nine or ten different guys. We may get a chance to see some different lineups, and this game will be a chance for players to continue building chemistry.

If BYU can put away Mississippi Valley convincingly, and there is a bit of movement above the Cougars in the rankings, we should see a ranked BYU squad next week. This author would love to see a ranked matchup vs. Ole Miss on Thanksgiving Day, but I may be asking for too much.