DENVER – For the first time since 2011, the Brigham Young University (BYU) basketball team has advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars, seeded No. 6, secured an impressive victory over the No. 11 seed Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams, finishing the game with a score of 80-71.
The matchup took place on March 20, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver, where BYU showcased both offensive and defensive strengths. The Cougars entered halftime with a 39-28 lead, thanks in part to a solid closing performance involving a 12-2 run. The decisive stretch allowed them to maintain an edge against VCU, which struggled to find its rhythm in the first half and finished shooting 38% from the field, with a mere 25% from three-point range.
Richie Saunders led the Cougars' scoring with 16 points, followed by Egor Demin and Fousseyni Traore with 15 and 13 points respectively. Notably, Demin's standout performance included hitting three three-pointers in the first half—highlighting a critical aspect of his game that had been inconsistent this season due to a knee injury.
BYU's defensive prowess was evident as they held the Rams to just two points over the final 4:31 of the first half, which propelled the Cougars into a dominating lead by halftime. VCU managed to methodically attempt to claw back in the second half, but BYU continuously thwarted their efforts, primarily by capitalizing on the glass where they controlled rebounds with a combined 30 boards from Keba Keita and Fous Traore.
As the second half unfolded, BYU remained steady, even building an 18-point lead early on. Contributions from Trevin Knell, who moved up to 50th on BYU’s all-time scoring list, also played a part in sustaining the lead. Ultimately, despite narrowing the gap to 10 points, VCU couldn't overcome the deficit and faced elimination.
After the game, VCU head coach Ryan Odom expressed pride in his team’s overall season, including their Atlantic 10 championship win, while acknowledging the disappointment of the game's outcome. "I’m proud of these guys. Proud of the season that they’ve had. They brought a lot of joy to a lot of people in Richmond and beyond," Odom stated. He emphasized the character and efforts of his players throughout the season.
Looking ahead, BYU is set to face off against the No. 3 seed Wisconsin on March 22, 2025, in the round of 32, promising another exciting chapter in their NCAA Tournament journey. Their strong performance against VCU has sparked optimism among fans, especially considering past struggles in the tournament.
As the BYU Cougars continue their quest in the tournament, players and coaches alike are eager to focus on the next challenge. First-year head coach Kevin Young has instilled a confident and competitive spirit in his squad, reminiscent of the glory days of the program. Fans are hopeful that this momentum will carry them further in March Madness as they approach a worthy opponent in the Wisconsin Badgers—another team known for its strong performance and solid defense.
Fans can expect a thrilling match on Saturday, as BYU looks to solidify their place in the tournament and perhaps echo the legacy of previous successful seasons. The excitement surrounding the team’s capability to triumph in the challenge ahead is palpable in Denver, where BYU’s blue and white colors fill the arena.
