BYU COUGARS

BYU Basketball Questions Answered In Loss Against Santa Clara

Feb 16, 2023, 9:32 PM | Updated: Feb 17, 2023, 12:15 am

PROVO, Utah – The BYU basketball team lost their second meeting to Santa Clara this season losing 81-74.

Let’s answer some questions from tough defeat that has BYU in another losing streak.

Who was the MVP for BYU basketball?

He didn’t lead the team in scoring, but I thought Trey Stewart was the most impactful player of the game for the Cougars.

Stewart saw all nine of his minutes played in the second half where he scored nine points.

However, I thought his value really shined on the defensive end where he forced two steals.

He made several other plays that didn’t register on the stat sheet.

Head coach Mark Pope was highly complimentary of Stewart for battling through inconsistent minutes this year during his post game comments.

There’s no doubt in my mind that he made a strong case for more minutes in the final few games of this season.

What was something that caught my attention during the game?

Noah Waterman has been struggling shooting the ball in conference play.

Before the game against Santa Clara, Waterman was 5 for 31 from deep. That’s 16 percent over his last 12 games.

It’s safe to say he’s in a shooting slump and it continued against Santa Clara.

He missed all three of his field goal attempts.

There was a moment late in the first half when Dallin Hall was able to pull Waterman’s defender into the lane.

Hall kicked it out to Waterman in the corner and he immediately put the ball on the floor, rather than taking the open shot.

Waterman has made five three-point shots in a single game this season, but that seems like a distant memory.

It’s hard to justify the minutes if Waterman can’t shoot his way out if this slump.

What was the most interesting stat from the game?

It was a poor shooting night for BYU from the three-point line.

The Cougars didn’t make a three-point shot until 16:49 remaining in the game on a corner three from Dallin Hall.

They finished the game shooting 22 percent from deep going 5 for 23.

A few more made long ball shots at the right time and perhaps this could have been a win.

It’s been a roller coaster ride for this team all season long from deep, and unfortunately the ride was too turbulent in the loss to Santa Clara.

When was the game lost for BYU basketball?

It appeared that BYU would make things interesting with about four minutes left in the game trailing by 10 points.

Dallin Hall had a block that started a fast break opportunity for the Cougars.

The ball found its way back to Hall, who missed a left wing three-point shot that would have brought the top off the Marriott Center.

Noah Waterman came up with the offensive rebound but took an ill-advised step-back jumper that missed, and Santa Clara scored on the other end.

They lead was pushed back to double digits and the Broncos never looked back.

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.

  • BYU Cougars Scoreboard

  • BYU Cougars Team Leaders

  • BYU Cougars Standings

BYU Cougars

BYU forward Jaxson Robinson celebrates with fans at the Marriott Center...

Matt Baiamonte

BYU Basketball Questions Answered In Win Against Evansville

"It's fun," said Trevin Knell regarding the up-tempo offense that has helped BYU basketball stay undefeated.

3 hours ago

BYU guard Trevin Knell inside the Marriott Center...

Matt Baiamonte

No. 14 BYU Handles Evansville With Ease In Big Win

Evansville had no answer for the BYU Cougars up-tempo offense that made 14 three-point field goals in the win.

4 hours ago

Tom Holmoe, BYU Football, Athletic Director...

Mitch Harper

Does BYU’s Losing Season Put Kalani Sitake On Hot Seat? Tom Holmoe Weighs In

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe spoke with KSL Sports on his takeaways from the 2023 season.

7 hours ago

Bronco Mendenhall, Head Coach, New Mexico...

Mitch Harper

Bronco Mendenhall Reportedly Near Return To College Football Coaching

Former BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall is getting back in the game.

11 hours ago

Zach-Wilson-New-York-Jets-NFL...

Kyle Ireland

Jets HC Robert Saleh Addresses Reports On Zach Wilson’s Willingness To Play

Robert Saleh answered questions about Zach Wilson following reports that said the QB was "reluctant" to start again for the team.

1 day ago

BYU Basketball, Evansville, Mark Pope...

Matt Baiamonte

No. 14 BYU Basketball Hosts Evansville In The Marriott Center

If BYU basketball can continue to shoot the three-point shot well while defending at an elite level, they'll make noise in Big 12 conference play. 

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...

KSL Sports

Jazz Notes Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the Jazz Notes newsletter. Get insider analysis, game recaps and opportunities to win tickets!

3 kids wearing real salt lake jerseys smiling...

Real Salt Lake

6 Reasons You Need to Experience a RSL Matchday

RSL Games are a great way to spend time with your family with fun activities, good food, and traditions you can only experience at the field.

High angle view of the beautiful Rose Bowl Stadium...

KSL Digital Sales

How to Prepare for the 2023 Rose Bowl

Everything you need to know to plan your 2023 Rose Bowl trip in Pasadena, California. This year, the Utes will face Penn State.

Jordan-Clarkson-Utah-Jazz...

KSL Digital Sales

Notable Moments From The Utah Jazz Season… So Far

At the beginning of the season, the Utah Jazz were second to last. Now they rank in the top 10 teams in the Western Conference.

Football soccer ball on grass field on stadium...

KSL Digital Sales

Everything You Need to Know to Watch the 2022 World Cup

Find out where and when to watch the upcoming games and final match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including where to find live updates.

ksl-sports-newsletter...

KSL Sports

KSL Sports Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the KSL Sports newsletter. Get the latest Utah sports news delivered to your inbox.

BYU Basketball Questions Answered In Loss Against Santa Clara