BYU’s head coach Mark Pope was visibly disappointed during the first half of their game against Kansas State. The Cougars struggled to make any 3-pointers, only managing to make 6 out of 31 attempts from beyond the arc. This poor performance led to an 84-74 loss at Kansas State, highlighting BYU’s struggles on the road this season. The team has only won two road games, and their inability to score from outside the paint has become a significant challenge.
BYU’s offensive strategy heavily relies on making 3-pointers, and their inability to do so against Kansas State was evident. They have never won a game when making less than 30% of their 3-point attempts, and on this particular day, their success rate was a dismal 19%. The team’s struggles were further compounded by their defensive lapses, allowing Kansas State to score 42 points in the second half.
Coach Pope acknowledged the difficulties of playing on the road in the Big 12, emphasizing the need for improvement. The team’s leading shooters, including Jaxson Robinson, Dallin Hall, and Trevin Knell, all had poor performances from beyond the arc. Even Aly Khalifa, who had previously made four 3-pointers against Baylor, was unable to score from long range.
BYU’s inability to make 3-pointers has been a recurring issue, and it was evident in their loss to Kansas State. Coach Pope’s team was unable to mount a comeback in the second half, ultimately resulting in a game where they never led. Despite their struggles, Richie Saunders provided a bright spot for BYU, scoring 11 points off the bench and showcasing his tenacious play.
Looking ahead, BYU faces a daunting task as they prepare to play against Kansas in Lawrence. The team will need to address their offensive shortcomings and defensive lapses to have a chance at securing a win on the road. The loss to Kansas State serves as a reminder of the challenges of playing away from home, especially in the competitive environment of the Big 12.
As the team returns to Provo and prepares for their upcoming game against Kansas, they are focused on addressing their weaknesses and improving their performance on the road. Despite the setbacks, Coach Pope and his players remain committed to growth and are determined to elevate their game in the face of adversity.
