BYU snaps No. 7 Kansas' 19-game home win streak with a 76-68 victory.
Dallin Hall and Jaxson Robinson both contributed 18 points each as BYU mounted a comeback from a 12-point deficit to secure a 76-68 victory over seventh-ranked Kansas. This win marks the end of the Jayhawks' 19-game home winning streak, a significant feat in their inaugural matchup as Big 12 rivals.
In Lawrence, Kansas, BYU coach Mark Pope found himself issued a late-game technical foul, intensifying the atmosphere inside Allen Fieldhouse, renowned for causing opponents to falter against the formidable Kansas team.
Returning to his huddle, Pope noticed something remarkable about his players' demeanor.
"They remained composed," he observed. "They were saying, 'We're okay. Let's keep working.' And they did."
Guided by the unshakeable performances of Dallin Hall and Jaxson Robinson, each contributing 18 points, the Cougars erased a daunting 12-point deficit to clinch a 76-68 victory on Tuesday night, putting an end to the seventh-ranked Jayhawks' 19-game home winning streak.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Pope remarked, "This arena, this team, this coach, these players - it's an all-time mecca. I think that's what makes this special. We talk about faith in our program, and certainly it is an important part of our university, and watching our guys' faith in each other tonight and faith in the process was special to watch."
Trailing 58-57 with 4:50 remaining, BYU took the lead for the first time with two free throws from Hall. Later, Noah Waterman's crucial 3-pointer propelled BYU to a 66-63 lead. Despite Hunter Dickinson's response with a 3-pointer for Kansas, Robinson's two free throws followed by another 3-pointer from Hall secured the Cougars' triumph in their first visit to the Phog since 1971.
They played with great intensity and tested us in every aspect," remarked Hall, "but we rose to the challenge and stuck to our game plan."
Hunter Dickinson led the Jayhawks with 17 points and 11 rebounds (21-7, 9-6), yet the team struggled from beyond the arc, making only 3 of 15 attempts from 3-point range, and shot 19 for 31 from the foul line. Dajuan Harris Jr. contributed 12 points, KJ Adams Jr. scored 11, and Johnny Furphy rounded out the scoring with 10 points.
Despite grappling with significant foul trouble, BYU managed to secure the win, in part by connecting on 13 of 34 attempts from behind the 3-point line.
Kansas coach Bill Self acknowledged his team's subpar performance, stating, "We played pitifully tonight, but when I say we played pitifully, I don't want to take something away from BYU. BYU was better than us. After we go up 12, the second half — they controlled it. We hoped to score. They actually ran offense to score. So give them credit. They caused us to look bad."
Adding to Kansas' challenges, they were without Kevin McCullar Jr., who missed his fifth game due to a bruised knee. Additionally, Nick Timberlake suffered a scare early in the game after a hard landing, but he later returned to play after a brief stint in the locker room.
BYU encountered foul trouble in the second half, with Dallin Hall picking up his fourth foul with 17:39 remaining and Trevin Knell receiving his fourth foul shortly after, following a double-technical with Dickinson. However, Kansas failed to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, allowing BYU to remain competitive.
The turning point came when BYU coach Mark Pope received a technical foul, altering the momentum of the game. Subsequently, the composed Cougars began hitting crucial 3-pointers, erasing a 56-50 deficit and seizing their first lead at 59-58 with 4:50 left on the clock, courtesy of two free throws by Hall. Hall's additional 3-pointers, including one from the top of the key, extended BYU's lead to 71-66 with 1:31 remaining.
BYU managed to maintain their lead for the remainder of the game, securing another notable victory in their inaugural season in the league.
Reflecting on the experience, Pope expressed gratitude, stating, "I've never seen an atmosphere quite like this. We're just really grateful we had an opportunity to come compete here. This is one of the meccas, and we're just really fortunate to come away with a win."
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