In a thrilling start to the Big 12 Conference, BYU showcased their prowess on the court, securing a decisive 76-56 victory over ASU. Richie Saunders emerged as the star of the night, delivering an impressive career-high 30 points. The Sun Devils struggled with shooting accuracy, while Saunders led the Cougars with remarkable consistency. This win marks BYU's fourth consecutive victory and highlights their strong start to the conference season.

Saunders Shines with Career-Best Performance

The standout player of the evening was undoubtedly Richie Saunders, who delivered a memorable performance for BYU. His exceptional scoring ability and consistent shooting were key factors in the team's success. Saunders not only set a personal record but also became the first BYU player to reach 30 points since Alex Barcello's achievement nearly three years ago. His contribution significantly boosted the team's morale and momentum throughout the game.

Saunders demonstrated his versatility by making 11 out of 18 shots, including six successful three-pointers. He also managed to score from the free-throw line, showcasing his well-rounded skills. In the first half, Saunders played a pivotal role in establishing BYU's lead, contributing 13 points and helping the team take a 31-26 advantage into halftime. His early scoring spree, which included hitting three three-pointers, allowed BYU to build a commanding 18-4 lead within the first 8:19 of the game. Saunders continued his dominance in the second half, leading the Cougars to maintain a double-digit lead and ultimately secure the victory.

Sun Devils Face Shooting Challenges

Despite BJ Freeman's valiant effort, scoring 11 points, the Sun Devils faced significant challenges on the offensive end. The team struggled with shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc, where they managed only 20.7% success. Freeman was the only player to reach double digits, highlighting the team's overall difficulty in finding consistent scoring opportunities. These shooting woes were evident throughout the game, impacting ASU's ability to close the gap.

The Sun Devils' struggles were most apparent in the first half, where they shot just 32.3% from the field and missed 13 out of 15 three-point attempts. This poor shooting performance left them trailing 31-26 at halftime. ASU attempted a comeback in the second half, briefly narrowing the deficit to 59-45 after an Amier Ali dunk. However, technical fouls called on Ali and head coach Bobby Hurley further hindered their progress, allowing BYU to extend their lead to 65-45. Despite these setbacks, ASU remains focused on their upcoming match against Colorado on Saturday, aiming to rebound from this challenging performance.