The 268th matchup of the Holy War is set to take place on Saturday at the Marriott Center in Provo, where the No. 13 BYU Cougars will host their rivals, the Utah Utes. This highly anticipated game follows a closely-contested first meeting, where the Cougars secured a tight 89-84 victory at the Huntsman Center.
With the anticipation of a bigger margin in the rematch, predictions favor the home team. The BYU Cougars, who are making a strong impression in the Big 12, possess a formidable starting lineup that includes AJ Dybansta, Richie Saunders, and Robert Wright, all of whom are averaging 20 points per game in conference play. Their coach, Kevin Young, has been recognized as a rising star in the coaching ranks, further enhancing the team’s prospects.
Despite a recent setback where BYU fell to Texas Tech, the Cougars are expected to bounce back aggressively in front of their home crowd. They enter the game with the motivation to reclaim their home court against the Utes, who have had struggles, particularly on the road, losing their last 12 away games, including a defeat to a winless Kansas State team.
Historically, Utah has not fared well in Provo, with their last victory in this rivalry occurring in 2014. Their defensive challenges have been glaring, allowing an average of 86.5 points per game in conference play and ranking poorly in adjusted efficiency.
BYU’s offensive capabilities appear impressive, as the team averages 86.6 points per game, and they will look to exploit Utah’s defensive weaknesses. Keba Keita, who is determined to redeem himself after a disappointing performance against Texas Tech, should be a key player to watch. Having previously played for the Utes, Keita is primed to deliver in this rivalry match.
Betting odds favor BYU, with a spread of -18.5, and a total over/under of 166.5 points, reflecting the expectation of a high-scoring affair. Observers suggest the game will highlight not only the intense rivalry but also the overall talent disparity on display. As the countdown to tip-off begins, fans can expect an electrifying evening of college basketball action.