BYU Faces Wisconsin in Rematch with Tournament Implications
SALT LAKE CITY – No. 9 BYU (3-1) will host No. 23 Wisconsin (4-0) Friday at 2 p.m. MDT at the Delta Center in a highly anticipated rematch of their thrilling NCAA Tournament clash from eight months ago. The game will be televised on NBC Sports Network (available via Youtube TV) and streamed on Peacock, with radio coverage on 102.7 FM/1160 AM and sirius XM 143.
This contest carries important weight for both programs. For BYU, it’s a chance to rebound from a narrow defeat against No. 3 UConn and reaffirm its status as a top-10 team and national title contender. Wisconsin,seeking revenge for its tournament exit,aims to prove its early-season success against lesser competition translates to contention among the nation’s top 20 teams.
BYU currently boasts a No. 17 KenPom ranking,averaging 84.5 points scored and 68.3 points allowed per game.Wisconsin is close behind at No.16 in KenPom, averaging 93.3 points scored and 65 points allowed.The series history favors Wisconsin 2-1.
The Cougars might potentially be without key contributors, as center Keba Keita is perhaps sidelined due to injury, and the status of guard kennard Davis remains uncertain following a recent off-court situation.
Players to watch for BYU include forward AJ dybantsa, guard Rob Wright III, and guard Richie Saunders. Wisconsin will look to guard Nick Boyd, guard John Blackwell, and forward Nolan Winter to lead the way.
