Three Observations From BYU’s NCAA Tournament Loss To UCLA

PROVO, Utah – The 2020-2021 season came to an end for the BYU Cougars in the first round of the NCAA tournament against the UCLA 73-62.

The Cougars never led in the game, and trailed for 39 minutes of game-time against the Bruins.

The long distance shooting was the biggest problem for BYU. They were outscored by 15 points from behind-the-arc.

Not the way we wanted our season to end, but we'll be back.

THANK YOU to everyone who has cheered us on throughout this season. We appreciate your support.

GO COUGS!! pic.twitter.com/UYJwuTGrb3

— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) March 21, 2021

Led by Alex Barcello with 20 points, BYU was able to close the gap to four points with 14 minutes remaining.

An ensuing 11-4 pushed the lead back to double digits and closed the door on the Cougars chances of advancing in the big dance.

Here are my three observations from BYU’s first appearance in the tournament in six years.

2. Missed opportunities early in the game

The Cougars trailed early in this game, but it’s not because they didn’t have good opportunities.

Matt Haarms, playing in his final game for BYU, missed two easy shots around the Rim on the Cougars first possession of the game.

He’s made those type of shots all season long. Haarms didn’t get the friendly bounce on the first possession of the game.

Following the first triple from UCLA forward Johnny Juzang, Gideon George drew a shooting foul and missed both of his free throw attempts.

Johnny Juzang (27pts) had himself a night 👏⁰⁰@UCLAMBB | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/eiQXzf5KRW

— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 21, 2021

The Cougars missed seven free throws on the night. George could have settled the Cougars down early if he had made those freebies.

There were also seven first half turnovers that helped UCLA build a double-digit lead at the half.

BYU never seemed comfortable. Give credit to the UCLA defense, but if those early baskets go in, I think the Cougars play more loose in the first half.

2. Brandon Averette mid-range game.

The senior transfer had a really nice game for Coach Pope in the loss. I loved what I saw from him in the second half.

He was second on the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field.

An emotional Brandon Averette coming off the floor tonight.#BYUHoops #MarchMadness https://t.co/AdQgKYxW5f

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) March 21, 2021

10 of his 15 points came in the second frame where Averette was able to use his speed to get the rim.

He buried a few mid-range jumpers as well when the Cougars made a run early in the second half.

Coach Pope made it clear after the Cougars final home game of the season that he would love to have him back.

3. Poor three point shooting

It’s been feast or famine for the Cougars this season from behind the three point line.

Unfortunately, it was all famine against the Bruins.

BYU only made three of their 17 attempts. That’s only 17 percent for a team that made over 37 percent of their long ball attempts this year.

Ouch. You won’t beat anybody in the tournament shooting sub-20 percent.

Can’t shoot 20% from the three point line in today’s game and win. It’s that simple. #BYU

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) March 21, 2021

The Cougars out rebounded UCLA, they shot better from the field, and they scored more points in the paint, but BYU couldn’t make up the 15 points lost on the three point line.

It was a disappointing end to the season for BYU. No doubt about it.

However, it’s pretty incredible that this group earned a six seed after losing Jake Toolson, Yoeli Childs, and T.J. Haws and others from last years squad.

This group should be proud of what they accomplished in a season played during a pandemic.

There is plenty of talent to make a return to the tournament next season. Especially if Coach Pope can work his magic and get one or two of his seniors to come back next year.

You can hear Matt Baiamonte every Saturday on KSL Newsradio for Cougar Sports Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. or you can find him on Twitter here.