BYU Center Keba Keita Rises Over Wisconsin Defense For Alley-Oop Slam

DENVER – BYU basketball center Keba Keita has had a very strong start to the NCAA Tournament for the Cougars.

Although his numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet at times, his impact is felt both between the lines and on the rim.

you KNOW we love a lob to Keba!! 🤯pic.twitter.com/SOsXXUIqEY

— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) March 23, 2025

In the first half against the Badgers, Keita posted six points, four rebounds, and a steal.

It was obvious that Wisconsin had Keita in their scouting report though. Every time they got down low and Keita was there ready to get vertical, they either didn’t test him or had very clear second thoughts.

Both hot shooting and solid defense led the Cougars to a 47-36 lead going into the break.

mood. pic.twitter.com/34VPon9d0T

— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) March 23, 2025

BYU held Wisconsin to under 40 percent from the field and under 30 percent from three.

They also dominated the rebounding battle, snagging five more offensive rebounds and seven more defensive.

BYU Basketball Aims For Third Sweet 16 Appearance Since 1979

BYU basketball is on to the Round of 32 where they will face the No. 3 Wisconsin Badgers today.

In the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, the No. 6 Cougars held off the No. 11 VCU Rams in an 80-71 victory. The win was BYU’s first in the “Big Dance” since 2012.

Wisconsin didnt deal with nearly as much drama as they relatively easily defeated the No. 14 Montana Grizzlies, 85-66.

see you in round two ✌️ pic.twitter.com/mV5099SHMT

— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) March 20, 2025

The last time that BYU basketball beat a single-digit-seeded team in March Madness was back in 1991. However, this BYU team has won 10 of their last 11 games and showed they can alter their playstyle for success as they did against VCU on Thursday.

All signs point toward an even, high-scoring matchup which is probably why CBS picked up the game for primetime.

BYU Gameday Reading

• BYU vs. Wisconsin: Three NCAA Tournament Game Day Thoughts
• BYU Has Opportunity Against Wisconsin To End More NCAA Droughts
• Wisconsin Coach Greg Gard Shares Thoughts On NCAA Matchup With BYU
• Three Things About BYU’s NCAA Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers
• Score Prediction For BYU’s NCAA Matchup Against Wisconsin
• BYU Basketball Prepares For NCAA Tournament Second Round
• BYU Proved They Aren’t ‘One-Trick Pony’ In NCAA Win Over VCU
• Instant Takeaways From BYU’s Impressive NCAA Win Over VCU

Follow BYU and the NCAA Tournament on KSL Sports

The Cougars received a No. 6 seed in the East Region and will continue their “Big Dance” in Denver on Saturday against the No. 3 Wisconsin Badgers.

Follow the BYU Cougars with KSL Sports here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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