3 crucial fixes BYU needs in order to make a March Madness run

The Cougars need to plug theses holes for sustained success in March.

Their downfall greatly exaggerated, it’s safe to say that BYU basketball is back, having now won nine of their last eleven games and appearing in this week’s AP poll at #25. And they haven’t been scraping by either. The Cougars have scored over 90 points in each of their last three games, and only less than 80 points once in the past eleven.

A dismantling of Kansas and a true road win at Arizona have made for some of the best BYU basketball victories in recent memory, and it appears everything is clicking together for Kevin Young as they become a March Madness lock.

But, it would be silly to get overconfident now. Anything can happen in March, and the Cougars are far from a perfect team. Here’s three things they should fix between now and the first round in order to avoid an upset and make a deep run. Starting with the obvious:

#1. Free throws

Feb 8, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) shoots a free throw against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

If you’ve watched a BYU basketball game recently, then you probably don’t need to see any stats to know how bad the problem is at the free throw line. But here are a few anyway: 13th in the Big 12 at 68%. 40% in their most recent game against Arizona St. 350th out of 364 teams in percentage of points that come from free throws. And perhaps most importantly, 40% in a pivotal rivalry game at Utah.

It has been a struggle all year long, whether shooting a meaningless technical shot, or a game-altering one with seconds to go. And just when things seemed to turn around in Tucson with Richie Saunders winning the game at the free throw line, BYU followed it up with a 6/15 free throw shooting performance at Arizona State the very next game.

The fix to this is simple: practice and knock them down. Obviously you can only do so much in practice to simulate a real game environment. But the Cougs just simply can’t afford to miss that many free throws in March. Just ask 2008 Memphis. Or last year’s Auburn. Or really any team who experienced a close loss that sent them home early.

#2. Turnovers Against Ball Pressure

Feb 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; BYU Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) dribbles the ball while Arizona Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) is ready to block him during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

On the surface, BYU isn’t the most turnover prone team out there. They rank middle of the pack in both the Big 12 and the country in turnovers committed. The problem is the type of turnovers that the Cougars are causing. BYU has struggled to hold onto the ball when facing heavy ball pressure outside the 3 point line, especially by teams who will blitz the ball handler with a double team when BYU sets a screen.

These types of turnovers are dangerous, as they lead to easy fast break points for the opponent. UCF and Houston did this to slow down and force turnovers against BYU, while the Cougars have had more success against teams who play less aggressively, like Kansas. Demin in particular has had a few rough stretches with turnovers this season.

Part of that comes from how often the ball is in his hands and some of the passes that he attempts. But some of it comes from carelessness or poor reads against the pressure. BYU has been better at dealing with pressure as of late, but there is still a way to go as far as ball security is concerned.

#3. 3 Point Defense

BYU vs ASU — Feb 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Joson Sanon (3) shoots over Brigham Young Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) during the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

While the offense has been red-hot recently, the same can’t be said for BYU’s defense, which currently ranks 71st on KenPom. Specifically, teams have taken advantage of a poor 3 point shooting defense. Opponents are shooting over 35% from 3 against BYU, the third highest percentage in the Big 12. In fact, 37.5% of BYU’s opponents’ scoring comes from behind the 3 point line, a bottom 20 mark in the country.

Shooting variation will always play a role in basketball, especially at the college level. But even taking away the percentages, BYU is giving up too many open looks, as opponents are taking over 25 3s per game. And for a perimeter based starting lineup like BYU has, this should not be happening.

In the win over Arizona, the majority of the Wildcats’ ten 3s came because a BYU player was there, but left them too much space. While Saunders, Mag, and Stewart are excellent at defending the perimeter, the rest of the BYU cast should be more aggressive guarding the ball and running shooters off the 3-point line, even at the risk of getting blown by. More defensive switches on the perimeter will also help in cooling off some hot shooting.

BYU has really turned a corner over the last month, and more improvement could, and should, be on the way. But March Madness is an entirely different beast that doesn’t tolerate any sort of sloppiness. The Cougars are still mortal and at risk of going home early, but with a few improvements, could stay in the Big Dance for a long time.