Byu Cougars vs Fresno State Bulldogs Picks and Predictions December 11th 2024

BYU keeps focus on court, takes on slumping Fresno State

The BYU Cougars are gearing up to host the Fresno State Bulldogs on Wednesday night in Provo, Utah, following a challenging loss to Providence in the Big 12-Big East Battle. As BYU works to refine its performance, Fresno State seeks to end a four-game losing streak amid a tough season.

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BYU’s Current Momentum and Challenges

Despite a strong start to the season (6-2), BYU faces questions about consistency following their 83-64 loss to Providence. In that game, the Cougars struggled mightily on offense, shooting just 33% from the field. Freshman standouts Egor Demin and Kanon Catchings, who average 13.3 and 10.5 points per game respectively, combined for just nine points on 1-for-18 shooting. Reserve Dawson Baker led the team with 16 points, but the collective inefficiency from the starting lineup (9-for-41) proved insurmountable.

“Disappointed, obviously, with the outcome,” BYU coach Kevin Young told BYU Radio. “The stats were things I’ve rarely seen — just a really inefficient night for us on offense. And we couldn’t guard a lot of guys.”

Young emphasized the importance of using the loss as a learning opportunity, committing to film review and targeted adjustments. “We’ve got plenty of stuff to get better at,” he said, signaling an optimistic outlook.

The Buzz Around AJ Dybantsa’s Commitment

While the loss to Providence lingers, the excitement surrounding BYU’s recruitment victory has lifted spirits on campus. AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 high school recruit and a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, committed to BYU on Tuesday morning, bypassing elite programs like Kansas, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Dybantsa’s decision highlights the growing reputation of BYU’s coaching staff, led by Kevin Young, and sets the stage for a bright future for the Cougars.

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Fresno State’s Struggles Amid Injuries

On the other side, Fresno State (3-6) is in the midst of a rough patch, losing four straight games. Their most recent defeat came against Santa Clara, an 81-66 road loss in which the Bulldogs trailed by 11 at halftime and never recovered. Zaon Collins led the team with 17 points, six assists, and four steals, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.

Injuries have plagued Fresno State throughout the season. “We have just been hit (by) so many little and big injuries back and forth,” Bulldogs coach Vance Walberg said. “I don’t think one time we’ve had our top 10. We need to just get them healthy to give a little more depth.”

Collins has been a bright spot, leading Fresno State in scoring (14.6 points per game), assists (3.4), and steals (2.4). His performance will be pivotal as the Bulldogs look to overcome their roster challenges.

Key Matchup Insights

1. BYU’s Offense vs. Fresno State’s Defense
   • BYU will focus on improving shooting accuracy after their inefficient outing against Providence. The Cougars’ talented freshmen, Demin and Catchings, are expected to step up and rebound from their subpar performance.
   • Fresno State’s defense, led by Collins’ 2.4 steals per game, must find a way to disrupt BYU’s offensive rhythm.
2. Fresno State’s Scoring Depth
   • Zaon Collins anchors Fresno State’s offense, but secondary scorers need to deliver to stay competitive. The Bulldogs will also need improved contributions from their bench given their injury concerns.
3. Coaching Adjustments
   • Kevin Young’s emphasis on learning from setbacks gives BYU an edge in preparation, while Walberg’s focus on managing injuries underlines Fresno State’s resilience.

Implications for Both Teams

For BYU, this game represents a chance to bounce back and solidify their strong start to the season. The Cougars must demonstrate growth and capitalize on Fresno State’s struggles to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, Fresno State aims to halt its losing streak and regain confidence despite the odds.

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Game Prediction

BYU’s home advantage, combined with their depth and coaching, positions them as favorites in this matchup. However, Fresno State’s determination, led by Zaon Collins, could make for a competitive game.