As blissful as “No-Loss November” was, the first week of December is already full of results that BYU Cougar fans would rather forget. Still, there is much to be excited about in Provo.
Men’s Basketball
After soaring to a #12 ranking in the AP Top 25, the Cougars were handed their first loss of the season in miserable fashion against UVU. A poor shooting night combined with Gavin Baxter’s third straight season-ending injury were the storylines coming out of a 72-65 overtime loss. On Saturday, BYU rebounded with a 74-68 win at Missouri State. The Cougars were probably hoping for a wider margin of victory, but after the UVU game were surely happy just to get back in the win column. Luckily, BYU is still ranked at #24.
Next Up: Two big games this week, the first being in-state rival Utah State on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. MST in Provo. On Saturday, the Cougars have a tough matchup in South Dakota versus Creighton at 10:00 a.m. MST. The USU game will be on BYUtv, with the Creighton game available on FS1.
Women’s Basketball
The women’s basketball team is enjoying one of its best seasons ever, as they are off to an 8-0 start. Their #16 ranking is the highest in school history. On Saturday, they added another BYU win to the list of 2021 Holy War victories, securing an 85-80 win in Salt Lake.
Next Up: On Friday the Cougars get a taste of BIG 12 action with a road game at Oklahoma. The game is available on Sooner Sports TV and starts at 5:00 PM MST.
Football
The perils of independence were on full display last week, as BYU had to sit and watch their fate be decided on championship weekend. Unfortunately, not enough went right for the Cougars as they are destined for the Independence Bowl against UAB.
Women’s Soccer
A dream season ended in heart-breaking fashion with a penalty shootout loss in the national championship against Florida State. On Saturday, BYU was on the happy side of penalties, as they defeated Santa Clara to reach the program’s first ever national championship game. In the end, the top-ranked Seminoles were too stout to break down, setting up the defeat in the toughest of fashions.
Women’s Volleyball
The Cougars were seeded high enough to host both of their first two NCAA tournament games in Provo, which they used to their advantage with two wins in front of a raucous Smith Field House. In the first round, BYU swept Boise State 25-6, 25-19, 25-10. On Saturday, the Cougars added their second Holy War win of the season with a three sets to one victory over Utah.
Next Up: BYU is heading east for the Sweet 16, as they play Purdue in Pittsburgh on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. MST on ESPNU. If they win, their Elite Eight matchup will be on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. MST, also on ESPNU. The Cougars would play the winner of Kansas and regional host Pittsburgh. Pitt is the only team to beat BYU this season.
Featured image courtesy Laura Seitz, Deseret News