Cougars showcase impressive shooting and rebounding in victory but face potential suspensions after on-court altercation
BYU’s basketball team continued its winning streak in the 2023-24 nonconference season with a resounding victory over future Big 12 rival Arizona State in the Vegas Showdown. However, the game was overshadowed by a fight that broke out in the final minutes, leading to potential suspensions for key players. Despite the altercation, the Cougars’ dominant performance highlighted their shooting prowess and rebounding strength.
BYU’s Shooting Shines Once Again
In the late-night matchup, BYU displayed its exceptional shooting skills, particularly from beyond the arc. The Cougars finished the game with a remarkable 14 of 33 three-pointers, extending their streak of double-digit three-pointers in all five games this season. Noah Waterman, in particular, had a career-high 24 points, contributing significantly to BYU’s offensive success.
Arizona State Struggles Offensively
Playing without their 7-foot center Shawn Phillips, who was sidelined due to a foot injury, Arizona State struggled to find their rhythm on offense. The Sun Devils shot a disappointing 33% from the field and a mere 10% from three-point range. Their offensive woes allowed BYU to control the game from start to finish.
Fight Breaks Out in the Final Minutes
With just 34 seconds remaining in the game, a fight erupted between BYU’s Atiki Aly Atiki and ASU’s Akil Watson. The altercation began after Atiki turned the ball over under BYU’s basket. Atiki appeared to throw a punch and was subsequently ejected from the game. Watson, on the other hand, was restrained by BYU coach Mark Pope, who quickly intervened to prevent further escalation.
Potential Suspensions for BYU Players
As a result of the fight, Atiki is expected to face a suspension for the upcoming game against North Carolina State. NCAA rules dictate that players who strike opponents are subject to suspension. Additionally, Noah Waterman was ejected from the game for leaving the bench during the altercation. However, according to NCAA regulations, Waterman’s actions may not warrant a suspension since he did not actively participate in the fight.
Coach Pope Addresses the Incident
BYU coach Mark Pope expressed his disappointment with the fight and acknowledged the instinct of his players to defend their teammate. Pope emphasized the need to resist that instinct, as the consequences of such actions can be severe. He hopes to have a full team available for the upcoming game against North Carolina State.
BYU’s Rebounding Dominance
In addition to their impressive shooting, BYU showcased their strength on the boards. The Cougars outrebounded Arizona State 32-16 in the first half alone, leading to 20 second-chance points. Their ability to secure offensive rebounds has become a significant advantage for the team.
Conclusion:
BYU’s victory over Arizona State in the Vegas Showdown was marred by a late-game fight, which may result in suspensions for key players. However, the Cougars’ dominant performance highlighted their exceptional shooting and rebounding abilities. As they look ahead to their next game against North Carolina State, BYU hopes to put the incident behind them and continue their winning streak in the nonconference season.
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